Minnesota United today announced that it has signed Brazilian defensive midfielder Fernando Bob, who will join the Loons pending receipt of his P1 Visa and ITC and will occupy an international spot on the roster.
“Fernando Bob has a very physical presence, a great range of passing and a lovely left foot,” said Head Coach Adrian Heath. “He first came across my radar in 2015 when he played for Ponte Preta. We played a friendly game [against them], so I’ve known about him for quite a long time. We tried to bring him to Orlando and he’s someone we’ve kept in touch with ever since.
“We think that at this moment in time, for his age, for his experience, it’s a really good pickup and an opportunity between now and the end of the season to see what we do with this,” added Heath. “I’m hoping he can come in and give everybody a lift, which his ability should do.”
Fernando Bob, 30, came up in the Fluminense youth system and made his senior debut in Série A in August 2006. He returned to the Tricolor following loan stints at Paulista, Boavista and Avaí to lift the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title in 2010. The defensive midfielder also spent time at Atlético Goianiense, Vitória and Ponte Preta before signing for Internacional ahead of the 2016 season. Most recently, he featured on loan with Ponte Preta. Fernando Bob joins his fellow Brazilians, Ibson and Maximiano, on the Loons’ roster.
“I think Fernando Bob is a really skilled player,” said MNUFC Sporting Director Manny Lagos. “He’s a good central midfielder who likes to sit in front of the back four. Adrian knows him really well –– he’s been following him for the last few years. We’re excited to add him to the team as we go for this final push to end the year.”
Come make history as MNUFC opens the upper deck at TCF Bank Stadium and goes for 50,000 fans when the Loons face LA Galaxy in their final home match of the 2018 regular season presented by Star Tribune on Sunday, October 21 at 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit MNUFC.COM.
Transaction: Minnesota United signs defensive midfielder Fernando Bob.
VITALS
Fernando Paixão da Silva
Position: Defensive midfielder
Born: 1.7.1988 (30 years old)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Last club: Internacional
Birthplace: Cabo Frio, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
