WASHINGTON (November 21, 2022) – D.C. United have acquired midfielder Pedro Santos as a free agent. The former Columbus Crew midfielder has signed a two-year contract through 2024.
“Pedro is an experienced veteran and has been a top attacking talent in the league since 2017,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United President of Soccer Operations, said. “He will provide us with important versatility and will give us some creativity and playmaking ability. We’re excited to integrate him into the team as we continue to rebuild ahead of the 2023 season."
Santos joins the Black-and-Red after spending the previous six seasons with the Columbus Crew after acquiring him from SC Braga in Portugal on Aug. 8, 2017. Santos made his debut for the Black & Gold in a 1-1 draw with Orlando City SC on Aug. 19, 2017. During his time in Columbus, Santos scored 25 goals and recorded 34 assists in 156 MLS appearances. His first MLS goal came in a 3-1 win against D.C. United on March 24, 2017. The 34-year-old was a key figure in the Columbus Crew team that won the 2020 MLS Cup and 2021 Campeones Cup. In 2022, Santos scored one goal and recorded five assists in 29 appearances (28 starts).
Prior to joining Columbus Crew SC, the Portuguese midfielder played for S.C. Braga in Portugal for three years. Santos scored 24 goals and recorded 19 assists in 154 appearances for the Portuguese club after making his debut on Aug. 25, 2014. Santos joined Braga from Vitória F.C. in Portugal on July 1, 2013.
Santos is a product of the Casa Pia A.C. academy in Portugal. After rising through the ranks, Santos made his professional debut in the Portuguese, Taça De Portugal, on Oct. 18, 2009. He was then acquired by Leixões S.C. in Portugal on July 1, 2010. He scored six goals in 50 appearances before joining Portuguese side Vitória F.C. on Aug. 10, 2012. Santos scored four goals and recorded four assists in 34 appearances before joining S.C. Braga.
Player: Pedro Santos
Position: Midfield
Birthplace: Lisbon, Portugal
Country: Portugal
Birthdate: April 22, 1988
Age: 34
Height: 5’6’’
Weight: 143 lbs
Transaction: D.C. United acquire midfielder Pedro Santos as a free agent through 2024
