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Columbus picks up Brazilian midfielder Artur on loan

Reuters

Columbus Crew SC announced Monday the club has acquired 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder Artur de Lima Junior - known as Artur - in a season-long loan deal with Sao Paulo.

The youth academy product made four appearances with Sao Paulo's senior outfit last year and said he's "very excited" about going to Columbus, adding: "I want to go and become a champion because I like winning, but more than anything I want to help all of my teammates."

Those are welcome words for Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter, who's hoping his side enjoys a comeback season after a tumultuous 2016 campaign.

"Artur is a young, dynamic player who was a key contributor to a Sao Paulo FC program that is one of the most decorated in South America, winning trophies at the state, national, and confederation level," Berhalter said of his new acquisition. "We are looking forward his transition to Major League Soccer and expect him to be able to contribute on the field immediately."

Loans in Major League Soccer typically include an option to purchase, but the club did not specify if Artur's deal features any such contingency.

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