Update: the move is now official!

NEWS: Toronto FC sign defender Auro Alvaro da Cruz Junior



: https://t.co/7U1Um5bqvH pic.twitter.com/mKHCMfd0Pk — Toronto FC (@torontofc) February 13, 2018

According to several reports, including one from the Toronto Sun, Toronto FC’s defence will be bolstered this season by Brazilian right back Auro. The 22-year-old wide player would be coming to Toronto on loan from Brasileirão side São Paulo FC.

Auro has represented Brazil at the U20 and U17 levels, and he has 28 caps for São Paulo’s senior team. He has struggled to get into the first team a little bit though, which may be why the club is looking to get him some playing time elsewhere.

Reports about this move suggest TFC may also be given an option to buy Auro at the end of the loan, for a fee of $750,000.

The addition of another fullback might seem a little strange, given the big move TFC just made for Gregory van der Wiel, but it sounds like Auro might have a slightly different role. According to the Sun, he’s capable of playing further up the field in a wing/wingback position.

That means Auro might be a perfect option for if Greg Vanney wants to revert to a 3-5-2. Him and Justin Morrow on the flanks would surely be a dangerous combination. Some highlights of him here definitely indicate he’s good in a wingback position:

My major takeaway from this news is that Nicolas Hasler is probably pretty solidly locked in as a permanent midfielder now. Maybe he’ll be the attacking piece played in midfield to help service Victor Vazquez and the strikers.