Philadelphia Union Agree to Permanent Transfer For Jamiro Monteiro; Midfielder Agrees To New Long-Term Contract Monteiro arrives from FC Metz, inks new Designated Player deal ahead of the 2020 season

CHESTER, Pa. (January 10, 2020) – Philadelphia Union announced today that midfielder Jamiro Monteiro has completed a permanent transfer from FC Metz in exchange for a $2 million transfer fee ahead of the 2020 season. Monteiro has signed a new three-year Designated Player contract, with a club option for a fourth year.

The 26-year old’s arrival last season helped the Union to their best-ever points total and first playoff win, and his aggressive, direct approach fits into the club’s style of play going forward. Monteiro initially joined the Union on a four-month loan in March of 2019 with the option to extend the loan through the remainder of the season, as well as an additional Union option to buy from FC Metz.

"We are pleased to have reached an agreement for Jamiro to return to our club,” said Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner. “When he joined the club last season, his impact on-field was immediate. He’s aggressive defensively and very strong in transition which fits in perfectly with the style of play we’ve implemented. We look forward to welcoming him back.”

Monteiro returns for his second season and first full campaign with the Union after joining Philadelphia on March 5, 2019, as part of a four-month loan through June. The Union then picked up the option to extend the loan through the 2019 MLS season. During the 2019 season, he registered four goals and nine assists in 26 games, starting 22 of those and helped lead the Union to a playoff win and best season in club history.

The Cape Verde international can play every midfield position, and he excelled in difficult road environments last season with a big goal at Toronto and an important assist against the Union’s 2020 home opener opponent San Jose Earthquakes. Prior to joining the Union, Monteiro played for FC Metz in France and Heracles Almelo in the Netherlands.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union acquire midfielder Jamiro Monteiro from FC Metz on a permanent transfer and sign him to a new Designated Player contract on January 10, 2020.