The Philadelphia Union announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Fred on Thursday, marking the well-traveled midfielder's second stint with the club.
An MLS veteran with 114 appearances, 15 goals and 18 assists in league play, Fred was acquired via the MLS waiver draft and will be added to the roster pending reception of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
The 34-year-old joined the Union on trial during preseason and has now been training with the team for several weeks. He is expected to provide midfield depth and a mentoring presence for Philly's youngsters.
“We’re glad to have completed this signing and have Fred on our squad this year,” Union manager John Hackworth said in a statement. “He spent the whole preseason with us and is already very familiar with our team, coaches and entire organization.
“With as much experience as he has in MLS and other leagues around the world, he adds quality veteran depth to our roster and is also going to be a strong addition to our locker room.”
Fred began his career in his native Brazil before moving to the Melbourne Victory of the Australian A-League in 2006, starting in 20 matches and notching four goals as Melbourne won the 2006-07 league title.
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Fred signed with D.C. United in 2007 and made over 70 appearances in the first of his two stints with the capital club, scoring 11 goals and 16 assists from 2007-09.
The versatile attacker was acquired by the Union through a trade with D.C. prior to Philly's inaugural MLS season in January 2010. Fred started 24 of the Union’s games that year, scoring four goals and adding an assist.
After his first tour with the Union, Fred spent another year at D.C. United before returning to Australia, where he played for the Melbourne Heart from 2011-13.
