SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it has signed Brazilian midfielder Thomás Jaguaribe Bedinelli. Known simply as Thomás, the midfielder brings four years of professional experience in Brazil to Seattle. Having received his P-1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate, Thomás is being added to Seattle’s roster and is eligible to play effectively immediately. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, additional terms of the deal are not being disclosed.
“We are excited to welcome Thomás to Seattle,” said Sounders FC General Manager and President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “He is a dynamic attacking player that has a diverse array of experience despite being only 22-years-old, and we look forward to his contributions to our club.”
Thomás is being made available to media on Tuesday, June 2 during the club’s media access window following the team’s training session at Starfire Sports (14800 Starfire Way, Tukwila, WA 98188). Training is set to begin at 10:00 a.m. PT and is open to working members of the media, with player availability slated for roughly 11:30 a.m. PT. Members of the media interested in attending should contact a member of Sounders FC Communications, as access times and specific training locations are subject to change.
Thomás, 22, has made 61 career appearances from 2011-2015 in Brazil’s professional leagues. He logged 19 appearances for Flamengo in Brazilian Serie A play from 2011-2013, in addition to nine more appearances in the Campeonato Carioca. After being loaned to Italian side Siena for the 2013-2014 campaign, the attacking midfielder appeared 12 times in Serie B play. He was then loaned to Brazilian side Ponte Preta in 2014, where appeared 21 times in league and Campeonato Paulista action, scoring one goal.
“Thomás is a player we’ve been tracking for the past three years, and it’s rewarding to finally be able to welcome him to Sounders FC,” said Seattle Sporting Director Chris Henderson. “His technical and attacking abilities are impressive, and he’ll mesh well with our current roster as we move into the second half of the 2015 season.”
Following last Sunday’s 2-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, MLS-leading Sounders FC hits the road this Saturday, June 6 at Sporting Kansas City. Kickoff is set 5:30 p.m. PT from Sporting Park, with regional television coverage on JOEtv.
Transaction: Seattle Sounders FC signs midfielder Thomás on June 1, 2015.
Name: Thomás Jaguaribe Bedinelli (simply known as Thomás)
Pronunciation: Toe-MOSS
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 160
Born: February 24, 1993 in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Hometown: Minas Gerais, Brazil
Citizenship: Brazil
Acquired: Added to Sounders FC roster as a Discovery Signing on June 1, 2015
Previous Experience: Flamengo (2011-14), Robur Siena (Loan; 2013-14), Ponte Preta (Loan; 2014)
