Houston Dynamo sign Brazilian forward Thiago on a year-long loan

The Houston Dynamo have acquired forward Thiago on a year-long loan from Brazilian Serie A side Flamengo with a purchase option. 

He joins the Western Conference team through the league’s U22 Initiative.

“Thiago is an exciting young talent joining us from one of the biggest clubs in the world. We anticipate that he will compete for minutes this season with the hope of earning a permanent spot with our club next year,” Dynamo general manager Pat Onstad said in a release.

“The city of Houston already attracts some of the most talented people in the Hemisphere to our world-class energy, medical, and aerospace industries, and our club’s recruitment efforts are no different. We want to be the preferred gateway for high potential players from North, Central and South America and help them realize their dreams of playing at the highest levels.”

Thiago has recorded 60 appearances across all competitions while in Brazil, leading Clube Náutico Capibaribe to Serie B promotion as a teenager before transferring to Flamengo in 2019.

His arrival gives head coach Paulo Nagamura another option on the attack, joining Fafa Picault, Corey Baird and Tyler Pasher. 

“The club is excited to welcome Thiago and add a player of his quality to our roster. He is a high-potential player that can change a game with his approach and determination in the final third,” Nagamura said in a release. 

“We look to furthering his development here in Houston and showcase what our club is doing for players like him to maximize their potential.”

The Dynamo currently stand in eighth place on the table after only managing five points in four matches, with one victory, two draws and a loss.