The New York Red Bulls have announced Luquinhas will not return to the club for the 2024 MLS season, with the Brazilian player joining Fortaleza in his home country. With this move, the Red Bulls will have an available Designated Player spot, with the other two currently occupied by Emil Forsberg and Dante Vanzeir.
Luquinhas’ departure, however, means a huge blow for the team. The attacking midfielder managed to record seven goals along with eight assists in 56 appearances since his arrival in the Big Apple in February 2022 from Pole outfit Legia Warsaw. Now, the 27-year-old strengthens a Fortaleza squad that aims to take the club to another deep run in the Sudamericana.
STOP IT, LUQUINHAS pic.twitter.com/SsiCahJfvt
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 19, 2022
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Another Brazilian joins MLS
While Luquinhas is going back to Brazil, the five-time world champions will have new representatives in the United States. Defender Guilherme Biro, for instance, has left Serie B side Mirassol to join Austin FC on a deal through 2026 with an option for another year.
“I’m excited to join Austin FC and to compete in MLS as the next step in my career,” said Biro, who can as a left-back or in midfield, via the league’s website. “I look forward to moving to a new country, meeting the fans, and playing at Q2 Stadium for the first time.”
Nathan leaves Earthquakes for Sounders
Another Brazilian on the move in the 2024 MLS offseason is Nathan, who joined the Seattle Sounders on a one-year deal with an option for 2025 after playing three seasons for the San Jose Earthquakes.
“We’re happy to sign an accomplished veteran like Nathan to our roster,” said Sounders FC General Manager and Chief Soccer Officer Craig Waibel in a statement. “On top of adding another talented player to our standout defensive group, we believe his experience both domestically and abroad is an asset to our team.”
“Adding a defender of Nathan’s pedigree can only improve what I believe is one of the strongest position groups in MLS,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “We showed last year that we are one of the league’s top defenses, and Nathan’s signing will give us even more versatility as we navigate our long season.”
