Minnesota United has reached an agreement with Fluminense for Brazilian midfielder Luiz Fernando, the club announced on Thursday.
The 22-year-old will join United on loan for the 2018 season, with the MLS club holding an option to buy him at the conclusion of the campaign.
"He'll bring strength, athleticism and obviously talent," MNUFC coach Adrian Heath said. "[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."
¡#LosLoons adquieren a Luiz Fernando en calidad de préstamo proveniente de @FluminenseFC! 🇧🇷⚫️🔵 » https://t.co/sUqCJQw8Dp pic.twitter.com/pe4pKQ17UR
— Los Loons (@MNUFCes) February 22, 2018
The move is pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
"Luiz Fernando is an athletic and powerful player," MNUFC director of player personnel Amos Magee said.
"He is different from what we have and will provide a strong defensive presence in our midfield to complement the midfielders we already have."
Fernando spent appeared in three Serie A games for the Rio de Janeiro club in 2017.
He also spent time at Slovakian club STK Samorin, where he joined from the Fluminense Under-20s in the summer of 2016.