NEW YORK — New York City FC continued to strengthen its attack on Tuesday by announcing the acquisition of Brazilian forward Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos on loan from SE Palmeiras through the remainder of the 2026 MLS season. The agreement also includes an option for NYCFC to make the move permanent at the conclusion of the campaign.
The 20-year-old joins the club as part of Major League Soccer’s U22 Initiative, adding another young, high-upside talent to New York City’s growing roster.
Luighi arrives after spending the last three seasons with one of Brazil’s most successful clubs. During his time with Palmeiras’ first team, he made 45 appearances, scoring five goals while adding one assist across all competitions.
This season, the São Paulo native has featured in several major competitions, including the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, Copa Libertadores, Campeonato Paulista, and Copa do Brasil. He scored in Palmeiras’ second-leg victory during the Copa do Brasil Round of 32, helping the Brazilian giants advance to the Round of 16.
Sporting Director Todd Dunivant believes Luighi’s arrival will provide another dangerous option as NYCFC pushes toward the postseason.
“We’re excited to welcome Luighi to New York City FC,” Dunivant said. “Luighi adds another attacking threat to our front line, which will be crucial in the back half of the season.”
Before breaking into Palmeiras’ senior squad in 2024, Luighi starred for the club’s U-20 side. Across three seasons, he recorded 15 goals and six assists in 32 appearances, establishing himself as one of Brazil’s promising young forwards.
His performances continued on the international stage during the 2025 U-20 Copa Libertadores, where he contributed two goals and two assists, helping Palmeiras reach the tournament final.
Luighi also brings valuable international experience despite his young age. Representing Brazil at both the U-17 and U-20 levels, he has scored five goals in eight youth international appearances.
He featured at both the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring in Brazil’s Round of 16 victory over Ecuador during the U-17 tournament as the nation advanced to the quarterfinals.
The forward expressed his excitement about beginning the next chapter of his career in Major League Soccer.
“I’m really happy to be joining New York City FC,” Luighi said. “From the first conversation with the Club, I knew this was a great opportunity for me. I’m excited to work with the coaching staff, meet my new teammates, and continue developing as a player. I’ll give everything I have every day to help the team, and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans for the first time.”
Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 180 pounds, Luighi possesses the versatility to play across the front line while offering pace, physicality and technical ability in the attacking third.
With the addition of another highly regarded Brazilian prospect, NYCFC continues its strategy of identifying emerging South American talent capable of making an immediate impact while developing into long-term contributors. If Luighi adapts quickly to MLS, the purchase option at the end of the season could prove to be another shrewd piece of business for the club.
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