FC Dallas has announced the news that was reported on Monday in Brazil, that the club has signed Brazilian holding midfielder Thiago Santos. FC Dallas has completed the permanent transfer using MLS’s Targeted Allocation Money (TAM).
While FC Dallas has not confirmed the transfer fee, reports from Brazil claimed it was roughly $1 million US. The Brazilian midfielder will be added to Dallas’ roster in January 2020 pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
Santos will occupy an international roster spot and is under contract through 2022 with club options for 2023 and 2024. It’s unlikely Santo will play out the entire contract and options with Los Toros as he’s already 30.
“From championship experience to midfield leadership, Thiago brings so much to FC Dallas,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt of Santos who was part of the 2016 and 2018 Palmeiras Brazilian championships. “Thiago is someone who can make an immediate impact for us.” Santos has six goals in 180 appearances for Palmeiras.
Of particular note in regard to this deal, FCD TD Andre Zanotta’s brother is a VP at Palmeiras.
Name: Thiago dos Santos
Pronunciation: Thee-AH-go San-tose
Position: Midfielder
DOB: September 5, 1989, (30)
Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil
Birthplace: Curitiba, State of Paraña, Brazil
Height: 5’11
Weight: 167