ORLANDO, Fla. (March 14, 2017) - Orlando City B has acquired Brazilian center back Léo Pereira on a season-long loan from official partner Clube Atlético Paranaense. The move is the first player transaction between the two clubs since announcing a partnership in November 2016.
“We're really pleased to capture a player of Leo's quality. He can operate as a center back or left back and has great pedigree having played at a good level in Brazil and for the Brazil youth national teams,” OCB Head Coach Anthony Pulis said. “He's aggressive, reads the game well and is very comfortable in possession. We're really excited to welcome him to our group and start working with him.”
Pereira joins the Lions after playing most of the 2016 Série B season with Clube Náutico Capibaribe. The 21-year-old made five appearances for Capibaribe while on loan from Paranaense. In 2015, Pereira made eight appearances with Brazilian side Guaratinguetá while on loan from Paranaense.
The Curitiba, Brazil, native joined his hometown club Paranaense’s heralded Academy in 2010. Pereira has made 23 starts among 32 appearances for the Furacão since 2013 and has also played defensive midfielder.
Pereira has also featured for Brazil youth national teams. The 6-foot-1 defender scored one goal in five starts for the Brazil at the 2015 U-20 South American Championship and scored one goal in three appearances in Brazil’s run to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Final later that year.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City B acquires Léo Pereira on a season-long loan from Clube Atlético Paranaense.
Name: Léonardo Pereira
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 168 lbs.
Birth Date: Jan. 31, 1996
Birthplace: Curitiba, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
