There will be no controversy for Orlando City like when they signed Antonio Nocerino. This international signing is largely uncontested and completed and will fill a need the Lions have so desperately.
Orlando City announced it has signed Brazilian Julio Baptista, a former teammate of Kaka and a former player at Real Madrid and Arsenal. Baptista was a member of Brazil’s 2010 World Cup roster. This was another talented international player wnating to plant his flag in Orlando.
Negotiations are still being finalized and he still needs to receive international clearance and a visa to play. Kaka though jumped the gun and congratulated “The Beast” on Twitter:
Another life and career moment that we'll course together! Welcome @J_Baptista81 to @OrlandoCitySC #thebeast #labestia
— Kaka (@KAKA) March 22, 2016
Baptista is a natural attacking midfield, but it appears the idea is to have Baptista play more as a backup striker behind Cyle Larin. Larin has gotten off to a strong start this season with three goals in the first three games of the season. But he has scored three of the team’s four goals. And he assisted on Adrian Winter’s game-tying goal against Real Salt Lake on the final kick.
The Lions could use another goal scorer. Baptista will be someone who could fill that role with Bryan Rochez continuing to work to get fit to play.
“Júlio is a strong, physical and tactical player who will provide us with more depth and options in the forward positions,” coach Adrian Heath told OrlandoCitySC.com. “We enjoyed having him train with us earlier this month, and are very pleased with the decision to bring him on board full time.”
Baptista had previously trained on a part-time basis with Orlando City. He has some familiarity with the team.
