ORLANDO, Fla. (Dec. 1, 2020) — Following the conclusion of its 2020 Major League Soccer season, Orlando City SC has completed the permanent transfer of center back Antonio Carlos from Brazilian side Palmeiras, effective January 1, 2021. Following that move, the Club then signed the Brazilian international to a three-year contract with the option for an additional year.
“The presence and stability Antonio Carlos brought to our backline was a key piece of the team’s defensive success during this last season,” Orlando City EVP of Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said. “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, 27, joined the Lions ahead of the 2020 season on loan from the Alviverde club. In his first season with Orlando, Antonio Carlos featured in 26 matches across all competitions, helping lead a backline that held regular-season opponents to a Club-record 1.09 goals allowed per game.
The 6-foot-3 defender scored his first MLS goal on Oct. 3 in a 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, while also contributing one assist on the year. His 57 aerials won, 108 clearances and 77.8% tackle success rate also led the Lions throughout the course of the season, while his blocks total (18) was second on the team.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs defender Antonio Carlos to a three-year contract with an option for an additional year following a permanent transfer from Palmeiras.
