TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
After running the rule over him firsthand for about a week, Minnesota United announced on Tuesday the signing of Brazilian defensive midfielder Fernando Bob, a free agent who will join the Loons pending receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. The 30-year-old will occupy an international spot on the roster.
“Fernando Bob has a very physical presence, a great range of passing and a lovely left foot,” said Minnesota head coach Adrian Heath in a club release, explaining that his interest in the player dates back to his time in charge of Orlando City SC. “He first came across my radar in 2015 when he played for Ponte Preta. We played a friendly game [against them], so I’ve known about him for quite a long time. We tried to bring him to Orlando and he’s someone we’ve kept in touch with ever since.
“We think that at this moment in time, for his age, for his experience, it’s a really good pickup and an opportunity between now and the end of the season to see what we do with this. I’m hoping he can come in and give everybody a lift, which his ability should do.”
Fernando Bob, who most recently played for Ponte Preta in his homeland, joined the Loons on a trial basis last week, a development originally reported by The Athletic. A product of Fluminense’s youth system, he made his senior debut in the Brazilian top flight in August 2006 and went on to play for a range of clubs, including Paulista, Boavista, Avai, Atletico Goianiense, Vitória and Internacional.
“I think Fernando Bob is a really skilled player,” said MNUFC sporting director Manny Lagos. “He’s a good central midfielder who likes to sit in front of the back four. Adrian knows him really well –– he’s been following him for the last few years. We’re excited to add him to the team as we go for this final push to end the year.”
The Loons' next match is a visit to Sporting Kansas City on Saturday (8:30 pm ET | Full TV and streaming info).
