Photo: Reuters

Orlando City announced Monday the signing of centerback Antônio Carlos on a one-year loan deal with an option to buy from Brazilian Série A side Palmeiras.

“We are thrilled to welcome Antônio Carlos to Orlando City. He is an experienced center back, having played many seasons in Brazil’s top-flight, that brings both speed and a great ability in the air to our backline,” Orlando City EVP of soccer operations Luiz Muzzi said in a statement. “We are very happy to make this move ahead of the new year and are excited to see all that Antônio Carlos will accomplish in 2020.”

Carlos, 26, is eligible for Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) with the Lions, having until roster compliance deadline to determine whether he will be a TAM or designated player, the club also announced on the signing.

The 6-foot-3 Brazilian international spent the last three years playing in Brazil’s top-flight with the Verdão, where he helped Palmeiras win a league title in 2018. Carlos also appeared 12 times with Palmeiras in 2019.

Current Orlando City roster 

Goalkeeper (2): Brian Rowe, Mason Stajduhar 

Defenders (8): Kyle Smith, Ruan, João Moutinho, Kamal Miller, Alex De John, Robin Jansson, Rodrigo Schlegel, Antônio Carlos

Midfielders (7): Oriol Rosell, Jhegson Sebastián Méndez, Robinho, Mauricio Pereyra, Andrés Perea, David Loera, Jordan Bender 

Forwards (6): Dom Dwyer, Nani, Chris Mueller, Tesho Akindele, Santiago Patiño, Benji Michel

Out on Loan 

Josué Colmán, on loan at Cerro Porteño (Primera Division, Paraguay)

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