FC Cincinnati announced in a press release Thursday that it has loaned defender Alvaro Barreal to Brazilian first-division side Santos FC.
The loan will last until December 2025, and Santos will have a purchase obligation if performance metrics are met. In addition to this loan deal, the FCC has signed Barreal to a contract extension through 2026.
Last season, Barreal was out on loan to fellow Brazilian first-division side Cruzeiro, where he produced 2 goals and 4 assists in 42 games across all competitions.
FC Cincinnati bought Alvaro Barreal in September 2020 from his boyhood team, Velez Sarsfield, in Argentina. Barreal would go on to get 19 goals, and 29 assists in 121 appearances for FCC. He would most notably be named an MLS All-Star and nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award during FC Cincinnati’s 2023 Supporters’ Shield-winning season.
FC Cincinnati will start its MLS season on February 22nd, when it plays the New York Red Bulls. However, before that, it will also play in the Concacaf Champions Cup, visiting Honduran side FC Motagua in the first round on February 19th.
