Chicago Fire Sign Brazilian Forward Guly do Prado

CHICAGO (Jan. 6, 2015) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced Tuesday that the club signed striker Guilherme “Guly” do Prado. The Brazilian striker will be added to the Fire roster upon receipt of his P1 Visa and International Transfer Certificate. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Guly is a versatile, attacking player,” said Fire Head Coach and Director of Soccer Frank Yallop. “I’m pleased to add someone with his experience to strengthen our corps of attack-minded players.”

Do Prado joins the Men in Red after most recently representing English side Southampton. Do Prado initially joined Saints on loan in August 2010 before officially joining the club in January 2011. On May 7, 2011, do Prado scored the first goal in a 3-1 victory over Walsall as Saints were promoted to the Championship. The following year, do Prado scored ten goals as Southampton achieved promotion for a second consecutive season to the Premier League. In four total seasons in England, do Prado scored 23 goals in 118 appearances before departing in May 2014.  

“I’m really excited to join the Fire,” said do Prado. “After playing at the top level in the United Kingdom, I wanted to make the right decision for the next chapter of my career. After meeting with head coach Frank Yallop, I feel this is a good move and I’m looking forward to joining the club and showing the Fire fans what I’m about.”

Originally from Campinas, Brazil, do Prado began his professional career in his home country at Portuguesa Santista in 2002, scoring seven goals in 22 appearances. He then headed abroad, joining Italian Serie B club Catania in August 2002. Do Prado joined Serie A club Perugia in 2003, scoring four goals in 34 matches before departing for Fiorentina in 2005 where he had loan stints with fellow Italian clubs Spezia and Mantova prior to joining Pro Patria in 2008.

During the 2009 summer transfer window, do Prado joined Serie B side Cesena and scored nine goals in 34 matches, helping the Cavallucci Marini gain promotion to Serie A.