Union Adds Aristeguieta Though Loan

Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union announced Friday it has acquired Fernando Aristeguieta on loan from FC Nantes of France’s Ligue 1. Aristeguieta, a striker with international experience for his native Venezuela, signed a deal that will qualify him as a young designated player for the 2015 season and will officially be added to the roster pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The loan deal also includes an option for a full transfer. Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re very excited to add Fernando to our roster,” technical director Chris Albright said. “He adds a different quality up front and has experience at both the international and club levels. He’s a player with a very bright future and we look forward to him having an immediate impact as we approach the season.”

Aristeguieta, 22, has most recently played with FC Nantes, making 45 appearances and scoring nine goals since joining the club in January 2013. He helped the club secure promotion immediately in 2013 by scoring seven goals in seven appearances during the second half of the season. Since joining Ligue 1 for the 2013-14 season, Aristeguieta has made 28 appearances and scored two goals.

“I’m very excited and thankful for the opportunity to join Philadelphia Union,” Aristeguieta said. “I know the team is already in Florida training, so I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates and to immediately start preparing for the season ahead.”

Prior to joining Nantes, Aristeguieta played for Caracas from 2009-13. There, he made 71 appearances and scored 31 goals for the club, finishing in the top five in scoring in Venezuela’s Primeria Division each of his last two seasons. His final season for Caracas in 2012-13, at just 20 years old, Aristeguieta scored 14 goals, second best in the league. He then made the move to Nantes.

At the international level, Aristeguieta has made 12 appearances and scored one goal for Venezuela. His lone goal came against El Salvador on Aug. 7, 2011 in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Aristeguieta featured in Venezuela’s 2014 World Cup Qualifying campaign, making five appearances for La Vinotinto, including a start against Colombia on March 26, 2013.