New York City FC announced Tuesday the acquisition of Brazilian forward Luighi Hanri Sousa Santos on loan from Palmeiras, a prominent club in Brazil's Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The 20-year-old, known simply as Luighi, will be with NYCFC through the end of the 2026 season, and the deal includes an option for the Major League Soccer club to purchase his contract permanently.
NYCFC reportedly paid Palmeiras $300,000 for the loan. If the club decides to exercise the purchase option, the transfer fee would be $6 million, with Palmeiras retaining 20 percent of Luighi's economic rights for any future sale. Luighi signed with NYCFC under MLS' U22 Initiative, and his contract with Palmeiras extends through December 2029.
Luighi expressed his enthusiasm about joining the New York club. "From the first conversation with the Club, I knew this was a great opportunity for me," Luighi stated in a release. "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."
Luighi joins NYCFC after scoring two goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Palmeiras this season. During his three years with the first team, he made 45 appearances and scored five goals. He was promoted to the first team in 2024 but had not become a consistent starter.
Palmeiras is a well-known club in international soccer, having reached the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup last summer. The club's academy has also developed notable young talent, including Chelsea winger Estêvão.
In the past, Luighi had attracted interest from European clubs, with reports in 2024 indicating that Arsenal and Southampton had attempted to sign him. His arrival provides an additional attacking option for NYCFC as star forward Alonso Martínez continues his recovery from ACL surgery.
"Luighi adds another attacking threat to our front line, which will be crucial in the back half of the season," said Sporting Director Todd Dunivant. "We’re excited to welcome Luighi to New York City FC."