TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Orlando City SC have completed the permanent transfer of on-loan defender Antonio Carlos from Brazilian side Palmeiras, the club announced Tuesday. Orlando also agreed to a new, three-year contract with the defender with an option for a fourth year.
Antonio Carlos, 27, made 18 regular-season starts and helped anchor a much-improved defensive unit. He formed a strong partnership with Robin Jansson, helping lead the club to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. It was the club's first-ever Audi MLS Cup Playoffs appearance.
“The presence and stability Antonio Carlos brought to our backline was a key piece of the team’s defensive success during this last season,” EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said in a club statement. “Negotiating a deal with Palmeiras to his rights was a key focus for us for this offseason and we are happy to get this deal not only completed, but to secure Antonio Carlos as a member of Orlando City for the foreseeable future.”
Antonio Carlos appeared 56 times for Palmeiras since joining the club on loan in July of 2017, including in 22 games during their 2018 league title campaign. He also made 11 Copa Libertadores appearances with his former club. Prior to his time with Palmeiras, Antônio Carlos had loan stints with Serie A sides Avai and Flamengo, as well as Serie B club Ponte Preta. In that span he has recorded 43 appearances across the three clubs, scoring two goals.
