Brazilian forward Tiago Souza signed with Orlando City, the team announced on Friday. Tiago joins the Lions from Brazilian club Bahia on a contract through the 2027-2028 season with an option year for the 2028-2029. He will be listed as an U-22 Initiative player.“Tiago brings energy and versatility to our attack,” said Orlando City SC General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira. “He’s dangerous in one-on-one situations, can play across the front line and combines speed with creativity to unlock defenses. His work rate and tactical awareness fit perfectly with our style, and we’re excited about the dimension he’ll add to our offense.” Orlando City paid an undisclosed transfer to Bahia, with ESPN reporting the Lions shelled out $6 million for the attacker. The contact details is worth noting. Major League Soccer plans to shift its competitive schedule in 2027. A shortened 2027 regular season will begin at the start of that year before the 2027-2028 season kicks off later that July through May 2028. The bigger picture Tiago joining as an U-22 player makes sense. Orlando City general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira told WESH 2 recently that the team will look to fill out the remaining two U-22 Initiative spots this offseason. Related: Orlando City plans aggressive offseason Brazilian midfielder Luis Otavio from Internacional is another rumored player set to join the Lions this winter. Tiago plays primarily as a left winger, a position last year that saw Ivan Angulo and Tyrese Spicer alternate with no set starter in that part of the field. Considering the reported transfer fee spent to acquire the player, Tiago could be looked at to have an immediate impact once the 2026 season starts. Offseason highlightsOrlando City announces year-end roster decisionsPedro Gallese departs Orlando CityWilder Cartagena signs new contractRobin Jansson extends stayLions ‘aggressive’ in the offseasonMike Gramajo is an Assignment Editor and Sportswriter at WESH 2, who has covered the Orlando soccer scene since 2012. You can follow his coverage over on X and Instagram.

Brazilian forward Tiago Souza signed with Orlando City, the team announced on Friday.

Tiago joins the Lions from Brazilian club Bahia on a contract through the 2027-2028 season with an option year for the 2028-2029. He will be listed as an U-22 Initiative player.

“Tiago brings energy and versatility to our attack,” said Orlando City SC General Manager and Sporting Director Ricardo Moreira. “He’s dangerous in one-on-one situations, can play across the front line and combines speed with creativity to unlock defenses. His work rate and tactical awareness fit perfectly with our style, and we’re excited about the dimension he’ll add to our offense.”

Orlando City paid an undisclosed transfer to Bahia, with ESPN reporting the Lions shelled out $6 million for the attacker.

The contact details is worth noting. Major League Soccer plans to shift its competitive schedule in 2027. A shortened 2027 regular season will begin at the start of that year before the 2027-2028 season kicks off later that July through May 2028.

The bigger picture

Tiago joining as an U-22 player makes sense. Orlando City general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira told WESH 2 recently that the team will look to fill out the remaining two U-22 Initiative spots this offseason.

Related: Orlando City plans aggressive offseason

Brazilian midfielder Luis Otavio from Internacional is another rumored player set to join the Lions this winter.

Tiago plays primarily as a left winger, a position last year that saw Ivan Angulo and Tyrese Spicer alternate with no set starter in that part of the field.

Considering the reported transfer fee spent to acquire the player, Tiago could be looked at to have an immediate impact once the 2026 season starts.

Offseason highlights

Mike Gramajo is an Assignment Editor and Sportswriter at WESH 2, who has covered the Orlando soccer scene since 2012. You can follow his coverage over on X and Instagram.