Atlanta United announced today it has signed midfielder Luiz Fernando to an MLS contract. The 22-year-old joins from the club’s USL Championship team, Atlanta United 2.

“When we brought Luiz in, we saw someone who fit our player profile and hoped that in our system, he could develop into a First Team player. Over the last year, he’s put in that work and has earned an MLS contract,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. “He is a great example of the type of professional we strive to have at this club, as he took full advantage of his opportunity with ATL UTD 2 and has shown the work ethic to continuously improve all facets of his game.”

Fernando is a native of São Paulo, Brazil and was signed by ATL UTD 2 Nov. 19, 2018. In his first year with ATL UTD 2, Fernando appeared in 21 matches with 16 starts and recorded one goal and two assists. The Brazilian was second on the team in chances created.

Prior to joining Atlanta, Fernando spent three seasons with the Richmond Kickers where he made 78 appearances, scored six goals and recorded six assists. He began his career in Corinthians’ youth academy in São Paulo before signing with Richmond.

Atlanta United (14-9-3, 45 points) returns to action Friday, Aug. 23 when it travels to play Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium (8:00 p.m. ESPN, Sports Radio 92-9 The Game).

Name: Luiz Fernando Nascimento

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-9

Weight: 160

Birthdate: June 23, 1997 (Age: 22)

Birthplace: São Paulo, Brazil

Citizenship: Brazil

Acquired: Signed by Atlanta United from the club’s USL Championship team, Atlanta United 2, on Aug. 21, 2019