MLS
DC United make Gabriel Pirani deal permanent
AS understands that the Washington franchise has informed Santos of its intention to pay the player’s 1.3 million dollar buy-out clause to keep him on board.
DC United’s squad for the new season is gradually taking shape. The Washington franchise has yet to hire a head coach to take over from interim manager Frédéric Brillant, but they have at least closed their first signing. As reported by AS, the North American club has informed Santos that they trigger the purchase clause for Gabriel Pirani, who is valued at $1.3 million. The Brazilian midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan with the Men in Black, signs until June 2025 with the option of an additional two years.
Pirani landed in Washington at the end of July to begin a third loan after brief spells in his homeland with Cuiabá and Fluminense. His arrival proved to be a great boost for the team. The team’s situation wasn’t great - DC finished 12th in the Eastern Conference and failed to make it to the postseason, but in spite of that, Pirani managed to rack up 836 minutes spread over 10 games, and scoring one goal - against Atlanta in Week 33.
The 21-year-old midfielder, a modern box-to-box player, is rated for his physical strength, technique and vision of the game. With an estimated valuation of $3.5 million, according to specialist site Transfermarkt, DC United have managed to secure a strategic signing for the coming years, a player with a blossoming international career and at a decent price.
Gold with Brazil
DC United’s early elimination from the campaign enabled Pirani to be available for Ramón Menezes’ Brazil Under-23 side at the Pan American Games in Chile last fall. The Canarinha won gold medal at the tournament after being the hosts on penalties. Pirani ended one of the most figures of the competition, play five games in total and scoring in the group stage game against Colombia.
Dreams of Paris
Menezes has taken note and has called him for the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic tournament that will be held in Venezuela between January 20 and February 11 2024. Pirani will be part of a talented young squad that features with other young South American promises such as Endrick, Robert Renan and Andrey Santos. The former Peixe player will be aiming to put in a good tournament and help Brazil to book a place at next summer’s Paris Olympic Games as the defending champions