Sporting KC acquire Igor Juliao for second loan stint in three years

Igor Juliao in action for SKC in 2014 - 12/23/16

Sporting Kansas City have brought back Brazilian defender Igor Juliao for his second stint with the team, the club announced on Friday.


SKC acquired Juliao on a year-long loan from Brazilian club Fluminense. The 22-year-old right back previously played for Kansas City in 2014, recording three assists in 26 starts across all competitions while also on loan from Fluminense.


"Igor is a player we are very familiar with and eager to welcome back," Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a statement released by the club. "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."


A former Brazil Under-20 international, Juliao has been loaned to three lower-division Brazilian teams since returning to Flluminense in 2015. He rejoined Fluminense this summer, recording five appearances in Brazil’s top flight before Friday’s announcement.


"I am very happy to return to Sporting KC," Julião said in a statement. "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."