D.C. United Set to Sign Brazilian Midfielder Gabriel Pirani from Santos
D.C. United is on the verge of securing a deal to sign Brazilian central midfielder Gabriel Pirani from Santos, according to sources involved in the negotiations. The agreement is expected to be a loan deal with an option to purchase, and all parties have reached an agreement. Pirani, who is currently on loan at Fluminense, will have his loan deal cut short to undergo a medical examination and finalize the move to join D.C. United.
If D.C. United exercises the purchase option in the loan agreement, Pirani will be added to the roster through the U-22 initiative. The 21-year-old midfielder has made 24 appearances for Fluminense in 2023 and has accumulated 77 appearances for Santos since making his professional debut in 2020.
The timing of Pirani’s arrival is expected to coincide with the departure of English midfielder Lewis O’Brien, whose loan from Nottingham Forest to D.C. United expires on July 16. O’Brien has been linked with several English Championship clubs this summer, including Sheffield United, but no final decision has been made regarding his permanent future. D.C. United remains interested in retaining O’Brien, who has started all 16 MLS games he was available for since joining D.C. on loan in March.
D.C. United head coach Wayne Rooney commented on O’Brien’s situation earlier this month, stating, “It’s probably looking more likely Lewis will be going back to England. We haven’t managed to reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest. We knew what the permanent fee was. He’s been fantastic for us since he’s come in — a great character.”
Currently, D.C. United sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 30 points after 23 matches in Rooney’s first full season as head coach. The club has undergone a significant squad overhaul over the past year, building around star forward Christian Benteke. D.C. United has made notable signings this year, including Mateusz Klich, Tyler Miller, Pedro Santos, and more.
The addition of Gabriel Pirani to the midfield will provide D.C. United with a talented and promising player who can contribute to the team’s success. Known for his technical skills and ability to control the game from the center of the pitch, Pirani has shown great potential during his time at Fluminense and Santos. His arrival will bolster D.C. United’s midfield options and add depth to the squad.
Pirani’s signing is part of D.C. United’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the team and compete at a high level in MLS. The club’s management has been proactive in identifying and acquiring talented players who can make an immediate impact on the field. With the addition of Pirani, D.C. United aims to continue its upward trajectory and climb the Eastern Conference standings.
The Brazilian midfielder’s arrival also signifies the club’s commitment to developing young talents through the U-22 initiative. This initiative allows MLS teams to sign young players with high potential and provide them with valuable playing time and experience. By signing Pirani, D.C. United demonstrates its belief in his abilities and its dedication to nurturing young talents.
As the deal nears completion, D.C. United fans eagerly anticipate Gabriel Pirani’s arrival and look forward to seeing him in action wearing the black and red jersey. With his arrival, the team hopes to strengthen its midfield and build a formidable squad capable of challenging for honors in MLS.
In conclusion, D.C. United is closing in on the signing of Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Pirani from Santos. The loan deal with an option to purchase is expected to be finalized soon, and Pirani will join D.C. United after undergoing a medical examination. His arrival will coincide with Lewis O’Brien’s potential departure, as the English midfielder’s loan deal expires. D.C. United remains keen on retaining O’Brien, but his future is yet to be determined. With the addition of Pirani, D.C. United aims to bolster its midfield and continue its upward trajectory in MLS. The club’s proactive approach to signing talented players demonstrates its commitment to success and the development of young talents.