/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31169065/igor_juliao_4__photo_by_gary_rohman_.0.jpg)
Sporting Kansas City announced Friday that they have acquired 19-year-old Brazilian defender Igor Julião on loan from Fluminense FC. It was long rumored and suspected that he would be signed and Julião has been in camp with Sporting KC this week. He will occupy an international roster spot.
"Igor is a player that once we saw him at the Disney Pro Soccer Classic, we really liked him. We scouted him for about six days and watched four of his games," Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said vie press release. "We feel that he is a great, young talent and someone that will fit into our team with the way we like to play, particularly with how important the outside back position is to our team. We feel he will be a good addition to our group and at the same time, forge a relationship with Fluminense FC."
"This is a new challenge for me," Julião said via press release. "I hope to learn a lot from this club and do everything I can to help them win another championship."
Julião looks to be the type of speedy outside back that can get not only get forward into the attack but still get back quickly that Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes likes. While his time with the team has been brief, Julião seemed to be fitting in well in practice this week.
Sporting KC released Josh Gardner and Mechak Jerome over the last two weeks to make room for Julião and Victor Muñoz. Vermes has said that there may be yet another defender signed before the transfer window closes in May.