Union acquire Brazilian midfielder Gilberto

Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union signed Brazilian midfielder Gilberto dos Santos Souza Junior on Friday.

Gilberto, 24, will join the team pending reception of his U.S. P-1 Visa, International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and a physical examination and will occupy an international roster spot. Per club and MLS policies, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“When the opportunity was presented to bring in Gilberto, we felt that it was a move with a lot of upside,” Team Manager John Hackworth said. “He’s a young guy with a lot of potential and we are excited to add him to our roster.”

Gilberto has played professionally for several years  in his native Brazil, spending time with teams including Clube Atlético Bragantino, América Futebol Clube and Clube Atlético Mineiro, which competes in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Brazil’s top professional league. He most recently suited up for Clube Atlético Sorocaba earlier this year, making 16 appearances and scoring one goal in the Campeonato Paulista, São Paolo’s highest division of professional soccer.

Name: Gilberto
Position: Midfielder
Age: 24
Birthdate: 10/20/1988
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Hometown: Serrinha, Brazil
Last Club: Clube Atlético Sorocaba