The Montreal Impact bolstered their forward ranks on Thursday with the addition of Argentinean forward Andrés Fabricio Romero, who has been acquired on loan from Tombense Futebol Clube for the 2013 MLS season. He will officially be added to the roster upon receiving his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). As per club and Major League Soccer (MLS) policy, details of the contract will not be disclosed.
Romero, 23, joins the Impact after spending the 2012 season in the Brazilian first and second divisions. He concluded the year with Clube Náutico Capibaribe, appearing in six games in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. He began the season in Série B with Criciúma Esporte Clube, where he played nine games in Campeonato Catarinense, including two starts, and two Copa Kia do Brasil games.
With the Impact, Romero should be able to see the pitch more often. Montreal's Sporting Director Nick De Santis believes Romero's speed and technical abilities will help the club.
"We've been talking about looking for an attacking player, a forward/winger, that is versatile and Romero fits that role," said Impact sporting director Nick De Santis. "He's played at a very high level in Argentina and Brazil. He's at a good age and now it's up to him to acclimatize to a new style of soccer. I think he's going to bring a lot of speed and good technical qualities that will help make this team better."
Romero made his professional debut in 2008 with Asociación Atlética Argentinos Juniors, in the Primera Division, the Argentinean first division. In three and a half seasons with the Buenos Aires-based club, he recorded four goals and four assists in more than 40 games. He helped the club win its third Clausura title, in 2009/2010. He also played seven games in the Copa Sudamericana, including five in 2008 when the team reached the semi-finals.
Internationally, he played five games with the Argentinean U20 National Team, including two starts in the U20 Campeonato Sudamericano, held in Venezuela.
Romero is awaiting his International Transfer Certificate before officially being added to the Impact's roster. He will use up an international roster spot.
The loan deal expires at the end of this calendar year.
Romero will count as an international player on the Impact roster and is travelling with the team to Florida today.
Eber on trial
Following Romero's signing, the Impact also announced Eber will be on trial with the club in Florida.
Eber Henrique Ferreira De Bessa, or Eber for short, is a midfielder coming from Brazilian Serie A side Cruzeiro.
The 20-year-old played his youth football for América Mineiro, Internacional and Cruzeiro. He also had spells at Nacional Nova Serrana and Swedish club NK Hacken before returning to Cruzeiro.
"A new stage," he said on his Facebook account. "[It's] time to change the game and conquer what I always wanted to do."
Eber, born in Belo Horizonte, will turn 21 in late March.
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