Major League Soccer franchise Chicago Fire have announced the signing of central defender Adaílton.
The 31 year-old – full name Adaílton José dos Santos Filho – will arrive on a free transfer from Bahia, who have been relegated to the Brasileirão Série B, after finishing 18th in the 2014 Brasileirão.
The purchase of Adaílton will add some experience to a defence that conceded 51 goals in 34 league matches last season and Head Coach Frank Yallop is confident that the Brazilian can help his side.
“Adaílton is a strong, powerful defender,“ he said, as reported by website MLS Soccer. “This is a position we were looking to fill, so I’m pleased that we will be adding a player with his experience to our team.”
Adaílton, who made just three appearances for Bahia, is excited about the prospect of playing in MLS and is looking forward to working under Yallop.
“It is with great satisfaction that I will continue my career with the Chicago Fire and play in Major League Soccer,” he stated. “I have been watching MLS closely over the past several seasons and ever since 2004 while in France, I made it a goal of mine to play in the United States.
“I had other opportunities to join MLS clubs in the past but the timing was not right until this challenge with the Fire.
“I look forward to working with my new team-mates and coach Frank Yallop and his staff to take on the challenge of returning the Fire to the playoffs and giving the Fire supporters the trophies they deserve.”
Adaílton has enjoyed something of a journeyman career to date. The Salvador native has spent time with clubs in Brazil, France, China, Switzerland and Uruguay over the years, with Rennes, Santos and Sion the most prominent outfits.
