The Columbus Crew announced Monday the club has acquired Brazilian midfielder Artur de Lima Junior, better known as Artur, on a season-long loan from Sao Paulo FC.
Artur, 20, came up through Sao Paulo's academy, and made his first-team debut in 2016. He went on to make four total appearances for the senior side while also spending time with the club's U-20 team.
“Artur is a young, dynamic player who was a key contributor to a Sao Paulo FC program that is one of the most decorated in South America, winning trophies at the state, national and confederation level,” Crew coach Gregg Berhalter said in a news release. “We are looking forward his transition to Major League Soccer and expect him to be able to contribute on the field immediately.”
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Prior to joining Sao Paulo, Artur represented Esporte Clube Bahia’s U-19 side, a club he joined at the age of 16.
“I’m very excited to go to Columbus,” Artur said. “I want to go and become a champion because I like winning, but more than anything I want to help all of my teammates.”
"We instantly saw the quality that he has and knew that he’d be able to strengthen our team." -Gregg highlights Artur's abilities. #CrewSC pic.twitter.com/e0nlV2DCtv
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) February 13, 2017