Minnesota United has reached an agreement with Fluminense FC of Brazil for defensive midfielder Luiz Fernando, who arrives to the Loons on loan for the 2018 season with an option to buy. Luiz Fernando will join the team pending receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC and will occupy an international spot on Minnesota’s roster.
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“He’ll bring strength, athleticism and obviously talent,” said MNUFC Head Coach Adrian Heath. “[Fluminense] is one of the big clubs in all of Brazil. We’ve watched him over the last few months and we think he’ll be a really good addition to us. 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. We think he’ll be a good addition to the group.”
Luiz Fernando, 22, played 14 matches with Fluminense during the 2016–17 season, in addition to 16 games on loan with STK Samorin in Slovakia, before suffering an ACL tear in his right knee in June 2017. In Slovakia, he was voted the best defensive midfielder in any division of Slovakian soccer by the country's leading sports newspaper. Prior to that, he captained the Fluminense under-20 side that won the Brazilian National Championship in 2015, experience the young Brazilian will look to use to benefit Heath's side.
“Luiz Fernando is an athletic and powerful player,” said MNUFC Director of Player Personnel Amos Magee. “He is different from what we have and will provide a strong defensive presence in our midfield to complement the midfielders we already have.”
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Transaction: Minnesota United acquires Luiz Fernando on loan from Fluminense FC for the 2018 season with an option to buy, pending receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC.
VITALS
Luiz Fernando
Position: Defensive midfielder
Born: 5.8.1995 (22 years old)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 165 lbs.
Last club: Fluminense FC
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
