TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
With CONCACAF Champions League play looming, Toronto FC added some much-needed roster depth.
On Tuesday, TFC announced the acquisition of 22-year-old defender Auro on loan with an option to buy from Brazilian club São Paulo FC.
Auro made a combined 34 appearances in Brazil’s Serie A and the Campeonato Paulista in three seasons with São Paulo. He has spent time on loan in 2016 at Clube Atlético Linense and most recently in 2017 with America Futebol Clube.
He’s also represented Brazil at both the U-17 and U-20 youth levels.
“Auro is a young and versatile defender that will provide us with flexibility within our lineup, both on the left and right side,” TFC general manager said in a statement Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are pleased to bring him in on a loan deal with an option to buy for the future.”
In an interview with Sportsnet, TFC head coach Greg Vanney said Auro can play as either a right fullback or right winger, and that his addition — along with the recent signing of Dutch fullback Gregory van der Wiel — will allow the team to push Nicolas Hasler into a more central role.
TFC, who are currently training in Mexico, open CCL play next Tuesday vs. the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Good Park. Before the trip, Bezbatchenko said the club still needed to make “one or two more signings to complete what we’re trying to do.”
MLS Fantasy Impact: You can add Auro ($4.5) to your team on Wednesday. Start playing!
