21-year-old forward Elias Manoel, who showed a sample of his talent at the end of the 2022 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, was returned from the New York Red Bulls on Friday.
The New Jersey outfit have signed the young Brazilian to a three-year contract, with an option for the 2026 season. Manoel was first signed on loan from Gremio, Brazil.
The striker had played six games, including five as a starter, for the Red Bulls between late August and mid-November. He stood out in the final game of the regular season by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win against Charlotte FC.
“Elias has shown that he has great potential in MLS during his short time with us last season,” sporting director Jochen Schneider said in a statement. We are very happy to have him with us on a permanent basis and excited that he can help us achieve our team goals.”
At Gremio, Manoel scored nine goals in 40 appearances.
Reverse path for Moreno
At Atlanta United, midfielder Marcelino Moreno has been loaned to Brazilian club Coritiba for the 2023 season.
The 28-year-old Argentinian has been a bit of a victim of Georgia’s offensive depth, being used just 18 times in the starting XI last season. In just over two years in Atlanta, Moreno had 13 goals and 14 assists in 68 games.
In a written statement, vice president and technical director Carlos Bocanegra explained that the loan would allow the young veteran to see more of the pitch.
Atlanta already has Argentinean Thiago Almada in the attacking midfield position. The 21-year-old player notably took part in the last World Cup in Qatar.
The Atlanta club also announced that it has waived striker Dom Dwyer’s name. The 32-year-old American has hit the target four times in 22 games in 2022. During his 10-year MLS career, the man known for his shaking skills has also played for Sporting Kansas City, Orlando City SC and Toronto FC.
