TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Orlando City SC have acquired left back Rafael Santos from Brazilian Série A side Cruzeiro, the club announced Thursday.
The 24-year-old Brazilian defender joins the Lions on a two-year deal through the 2024 MLS season with options for 2025-26.
Santos has five goals and eight assists over 92 professional appearances in all competitions, including 15 games in the 2022 Brazilian Série A with on-loan club Coritiba. He's also had loan spells in his native Brazil with Internacional, Chapecoense and Ponte Preta.
“Rafael is a technically gifted left back, has great touch on the ball, and creates danger in the attacking third with his crossing and set piece abilities,” Orlando VP of soccer operations and general manager Luiz Muzzi said in a release.
“He brings experience from the first division in Brazil and is someone we expect to provide competition in that position within our team.”
Santos arrives in Orlando as a possible replacement for left back João Moutinho, who exited on a free transfer and signed with Spezia in Italy's Serie A. This offseason, they also acquired Luca Petrasso in a trade from Toronto FC.
The Lions, who are coming off their first trophy-winning season in MLS after lifting the 2022 US Open Cup, open the 2023 season on Feb. 25 at home against the New York Red Bulls (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). They'll also participate in the 2023 Concacaf Champions League.
Santos is the second Cruzeiro fullback to enter MLS this winter after FC Dallas acquired Geovane Jesus.
READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker presented by Avant
