Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has signed defender Auro Alvaro da Cruz Junior “Auro” on loan with an option to buy from Brazilian club, São Paulo FC (São Paulo).

“Auro is a young and versatile defender that will provide us with flexibility within our line-up, both on the left and right side,” said Toronto FC Sr. Vice President of Soccer Operations & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are pleased to bring him in on a loan deal with an option to buy for the future.”

Auro, 22, made a combined 34 appearances in Brazil’s Serie A and the Campeonato Paulista in three seasons with São Paulo. He has spent time on loan at Clube Atlético Linense (2016) and most recently in 2017 with América Futebol Clube (America-MG). With América-MG, he made a combined 14 appearances between Brazil’s Serie B, Primeira Liga and Mineiro 1 competitions. Auro returned to São Paulo earlier this year after his loan had ended.

Auro has represented his native Brazil at both the U-17 and U-20 youth levels.

AURO ALVARO DA CRUZ JUNIOR “AURO”

Position: Defender

Height: 5’6

Weight: 136

Birthdate: January 23, 1996 (Age: 22)

Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil

Nationality: Brazilian

Last Club: São Paulo FC

How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on loan with option to buy on Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Pronunciation: “Ow-ro”