Chicago Fire have announced that they have secured Brazilian forward Gilberto.
The Major League Soccer outfit claimed him off waivers from Toronto FC, meaning that he arrives on a free transfer.
Gilberto will be made a Designated Player, alongside Shaun Maloney and David Accam, while forward Kennedy Igboananike’s budget charge has been lowered using Targeted Allocation Money to ensure the necessary funds are available.
Chicago brought in Gilberto, following former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba’s decision to sign with Montreal Impact.
The Fire had first option on the veteran Ivorian, but have received general and Targeted Allocation Money in exchange for his switch to Montreal.
Gilberto arrives at Chicago on the back of a loan spell with Vasco da Gama. For them, he failed to net in 12 Brasileirão appearances and only managed one assist, though he was part of a side that won this year’s Campeonato Carioca.
At Toronto, he faired better, scoring seven goals in 32 matches between December 2013 and February of this year, but was forced out by the arrival of United States international Jozy Altidore from Sunderland.
Speaking about Gilberto’s arrival, Chicago Head Coach Frank Yallop admitted he had been scouting the 26 year-old for some time and believes he is ready to be a key player.
“We’ve been tracking Gilberto for some time now and knew he could become available due to Toronto FC’s Designated Player situation,” he said, as reported by MLSSoccer. “He’s shown he can score goals in this league and we look forward to him joining our club here in Chicago.”