TULSA – FC Tulsa has added another experienced defender to its back line. The club announced on Thursday that it has signed Brazilian youth international Maicon da Silva Moreira, known simply as Maicon, pending league and federation approval. While the 26-year-old has played most of his professional career in Italy, he was a fixture in Brazil’s youth international team, playing for the U23 team in 2016 Olympic qualifying.

“Maicon is a player of very high quality that needs to get a consistent run of games and find his rhythm,” said FC Tulsa head coach Michael Nsien. “He’s played at various levels in the Brazilian national team set up which should tell you enough about his potential for FC Tulsa. Maicon is unbelievably quick and can attack from the right back position which will allow us to add more players near the goal area. Maicon is very excited to come to Tulsa to show what he’s capable of. I look forward to working with him, I’m sure he’ll be a great addition.”

Maicon has competed internationally for the Brazil youth international teams, including a talented U23 team that included current Manchester City FC keeper Ederson, Chelsea FC winger Kenedy, West Ham United FC winger Felipe Anderson, Udinese Calcio midfielder Walace and Flamengo forward Vitinho. Maicon was also a part of the U23 squad at the 2014 Wuhan International Youth Football Tournament in China, where he helped his country take home silverware with two victories and a draw in the four-team tournament.

“I am very happy to go play at this club,” said Maicon. “I will work hard to win titles and put the team among the best of Campeonato (USL Championship). It will be a great year!”

The Brazilian moved to Italy while a youth player and started his professional career with Reggina, then in Serie B, making his professional debut in May of 2012 against UC Sampdoria. He recorded his first professional goal and assist in the 2013/14 Serie B season against Spezia Calcio and FC Empoli, respectively. In 2014, Maicon was transferred from Reggina to Livorno, also in Serie B, where he was under contract until February of 2019. In total, Maicon has made 72 appearances in Italian Serie B as well as six Coppa Italia appearances, scoring four goals and adding three assists in his Italian career.

While with Livorno, Maicon served multiple loan stints in Brazil, first with Sport Club do Recife, then of Serie A, and then with Boavista Sport Club. He tallied 26 appearances total in Brazil with the two clubs, scoring two goals. Most recently, Maicon suited up for NK Istra 1961 of the Croatian First Division in 2019, making nine appearances.

To see Maicon and the rest of FC Tulsa compete in 2020, fans can purchase 2020 season tickets now starting at just $8 a match with fan-friendly pricing. No interest Payment Plans are available by email request at tickets@fctulsa.com.

Purchase your season tickets before prices go up on February 1 by clicking here.