Sporting KC acquires Brazilian defender

Sporting Kansas City announced Friday that the club has acquired 22-year-old Brazilian defender Igor Julião on loan from Fluminense FC through 2017.

Julião will occupy an international spot on Sporting Kansas City’s roster when his year-long loan begins on Jan. 1.

“Igor is a player we are very familiar with and eager to welcome back,” Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said. “He showed a lot of promise with us in 2014, and we look forward to integrating him back to our team when he joins us next month for preseason.”

Julião previously played for Sporting Kansas City in 2014, recording three assists in 26 starts across all competitions during his loan from prestigious Brazilian club Fluminense FC. The right back made 23 MLS appearances, tallying assists in wins versus Columbus Crew SC and Chivas USA, and played three additional matches in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League group stage.

“I am very happy to return to Sporting KC,” Julião said. “I loved my time playing in this city in front of the great fans. I know Sporting KC has a strong team that can compete for championships, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

– Information from Sporting KC