Minnesota United announced Thursday it has signed defensive midfielder Luiz Fernando on loan from Brazil's Fluminense FC with an option to buy after the 2018 season. He will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.
The 22-year-old Luiz Fernando is returning from a right ACL tear he suffered in June 2017. Prior to that, he played 14 matches with Fluminense during the 2016–17 season and 16 games on loan with STK Samorin in Slovakia. His play won him the honor of the best defensive midfielder in any Slovakian league, as voted on by the country's leading sports newspaper.
Earlier in his career, Luiz Fernando captained the Fluminense U-20 side that won the Brazilian National Championship in 2015.
“He’ll bring strength, athleticism and obviously talent,” MNUFC coach Adrian Heath said in a team release. “He brings a different element. He is very, very physically strong and his athleticism can break plays up. His feet are very tidy. So, we’re really pleased to bring him in.
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