FC Cincinnati announced the signing of Ecuadorian winger Bryan Ramírez, formerly with LDU Quito, and the move has a direct impact on the club’s planning following Luca Orellano’s transfer to Monterrey. The 25-year-old signed an MLS contract through the 2028/29 season, with an option for 2029–30, and arrives in North American soccer backed by solid numbers, recent titles, and experience in continental competitions.
Bryan Ramírez leaves LDU after making 116 official appearances, totaling 10 goals and 17 assists across all competitions. He was part of one of the most successful periods in the Ecuadorian club’s history, contributing to national league titles in 2023 and 2024, as well as the 2022/23 Copa Sudamericana and the Ecuadorian Super Cup in 2024/25. Those figures help put the signing into context.
A signing with a recent track record of collective impact
Ramírez’s profile grew even more in 2025, when he stood out during LDU’s Libertadores campaign, a tournament that often serves as a direct showcase for the international market. His game is defined by speed, intensity, and mobility, traits that consistently show up in his performances. The Ecuadorian winger also plays on both sides of the attack and, when needed, can take on wider roles, contributing defensively without sacrificing attacking depth, a skill valued in more physical, open matches.
In June 2025, Ramírez was called up to Ecuador’s national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, though he has yet to make his senior debut. The call-up highlights his current standing and reflects recognition of his recent club form.
FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright addressed the signing in a straightforward tone, saying, “Bryan is a dynamic player and we’re very happy to bring him to Cincinnati. His intensity, attacking creativity, and personality will fit perfectly within our group. We would like to welcome him and his family to the club.”
Cincinnati moves quickly after a key departure
The deal comes at a time when Cincinnati needed to respond quickly to Orellano’s exit and identified Ramírez as an available, experienced, young option with a recent history of high-level performances. There’s no savior narrative or public promise of immediate stardom, just a natural expectation about how the player will adapt to MLS and a new competitive environment.
FC Cincinnati opens its 2026 campaign on February 21 at home against Atlanta United. It will be the first opportunity to see how Bryan Ramírez begins writing his story with the club, now in a different league, but one with demands similar to those he faced in South America.