Sydney FC have locked in the signing of Brazilian defensive rock Gabriel Lacerda on a one-year loan from Ceará SC.
The 24-year-old is a graduate of the famed Palmeiras Academy who have produced the likes of Gabriel Jesus and won numerous Brazilian titles.
Lacerda is a 1.90m tall, ball playing centre back and has spent five years at Ceara SC making 102 appearances.
His move to Australia is a first overseas experience for the young defender.
“I did a lot of research looking into the history of the club and I saw it was a very big and successful club which I was excited about,” he said.
“I’m a strong player, with good speed and very good heading ability too.
“I like to play out from the back, and I think that will help our team a lot as Sydney FC plays with a high defensive line.
“I have a lot of expectations here including to make this a permanent move for myself as I believe we can make history.
“My motivation is to reach big milestones and win big titles.”
Head Coach Steve Corica said: “Gabriel is a tall and powerful centre back and gives us more options at the heart of our defence.
“He reads the game extremely well, he’s aggressive and is quick across the ground so I expect he will be a headache for opposition strikers.
“He is one of five high quality international players we have at the club who complement our fantastic young Australian players and more experienced heads.”
The defender becomes only the second Sky Blues player to wear the Men’s number 15 shirt following Hall of Fame player Terry McFlynn, who retired in 2014.
“It’s a very special number for me being my father’s birthday and I will wear it with a lot of pride.
“It’s a tribute to my father who gave me all the support since childhood.
“I’m very grateful to him and my entire family, so I carry it on my back to honour him for all the effort he gave to help me get here.
“I always give everything to my club with this shirt on my back.”
Lacerda begins training with the Sky Blues squad immediately and is in contention for the Australia Cup semi-final against Melbourne City.
