COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that the club has acquired Brazilian midfielder Artur on a permanent transfer following his initial 2017 loan to Columbus from Sao Paulo FC of Brazil’s First Division. Artur, 21, played for the Black & Gold during the 2017 Major League Soccer season on loan and will continue to occupy an international roster spot for Crew SC.

Artur joined Crew SC on loan on February 13, 2017, making his club and MLS debut in a substitute appearance during a home match at MAPRE Stadium against the Chicago Fire on March 4. The 21-year-old midfielder went on to make 24 appearances (19 starts) for the Black & Gold during the 2017 MLS regular season, registering three assists, with Columbus going undefeated with a record of 3-0-0 in matches in which he provided an assist. Artur scored his first professional goal in Crew SC’s 4-1 home victory over New York City FC at MAPFRE Stadium in the First Leg of the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals, scoring the game-winning strike.

“Artur was one of the most promising young players in MLS last season and completing his transfer from Sao Paulo FC was one of our priorities this offseason,” said Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. “We are happy that he has committed his future to the club and we look forward to beginning our work together on a successful 2018 campaign.”

The Brazilian midfielder led the Black & Gold in successful tackles during the regular season, registering 73 successful tackles. Artur’s average of 3.86 tackles per 90 minutes was the sixth-highest in the League in regular-season action, behind only Matias Laba (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Yangel Herrera (New York City FC), Juan Cabezas (Houston Dynamo), Darwin Ceren (San Jose Earthquakes) and Alexander Ring (New York City FC). The 21-year-old also averaged 8.01 recoveries per 90 minutes during 2017, more than any other Crew SC field player.

Prior to joining Crew SC, Artur played for Sao Paulo FC of the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A – Brazil’s topflight – where he made four appearances (four starts) for the club in 2016. During his time with Sao Paulo FC’s Under-20 Team, Artur won the Copa Libertadores – South America’s Continental Cup – in 2016, the Copa do Brasil – Brazil’s Domestic Cup – in 2015 and 2016, and the Campeonato Paulista – the Sao Paulo State Tournament – in 2016. Artur also won the Copa RS with Sao Paulo FC in 2015, the official Brazilian national tournament for U-20 teams. Prior to his time with the Tricolor, Artur was with Esporte Clube Bahia’s U-19 side, a club he joined at the age of 16. There, Artur won the U-17 Metropolitan Cup and the U-18 Bahia Championship in 2014.

TRANSACTION

Columbus Crew SC acquires midfielder Artur on a permanent transfer from Sao Paulo FC on December 6, 2017. He will continue to occupy an international roster slot on Crew SC’s roster.



Name: Artur de Lima Junior (are-TOUR)

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 154

Born: March 11, 1996 in Brumado, Bahia, Brazil

Hometown: Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Acquired: Originally arrived on loan from Sao Paulo FC on February 13, 2017 and was acquired on a permanent transfer on December 6, 2017. Artur will continue to occupy an international roster slot on Crew SC’s roster.

Previous Experience: Columbus Crew SC (2017), Sao Paulo FC (2015-2016)