New York City FC signs Thiago Andrade from Bahia
According to Goal.com, the Brazilian club has accepted the terms from the MLS side to sign the winger ahead of the start of the 2021 Major League Soccer season.
In the last five years many young players from the American continent are deciding to play in Major League Soccer before making the jump to a club in Europe. There have been several cases in the past years and Thiago Andrade is the latest one. The Brazilian winger signed a three-year-contract with an option to one more with New York City FC.
“We’re delighted to acquire Thiago, who has shown to be an exciting talent at the youth levels in Brazil,” sporting director David Lee said. “The Brasileirao is one of the most challenging leagues in the world and to break into the starting XI at 20 years old is evidence of his development in recent months.
“We wanted to add quality and depth to our attack and Thiago is a versatile player that can help us in multiple positions. He’s still very young and will need to continue to develop as a footballer, but we’re excited for that to happen here at NYCFC, and we believe his potential is very high.”
According to Goal.com, the Major League Soccer side paid around $1.80 million to EC Bahia for the 20-year-old winger. Thiago Andrade made his debut in the Brasileirão with Bahia in January and tallied one goal in 516 minutes.
Excited to play in MLS
“I feel so happy to be able to sign with a big club like New York City FC,” Thiago said in a release. “For me it is a very interesting club to be a part of because of the City Football Group. It’s an important place to be for my career and growth in football.
He added: “I’m excited to be able to live in and know the city and a different culture. To the NYCFC fans, there will be no lack of desire and determination and I am proud to wear this shirt.”
Since the transfer is official, Andrade is waiting to receive his P-1 Visa in order to join the MLS side ahead of the start of the 2021 regular season. NYCFC also signed defenders Malter Admudsen and Chris Golster to improve their roster this year. New York City FC wil start the season visiting D.C. United on 17 April and they will have their home opener on 24 April against Cincinnati.