The New York Red Bulls have acquired Brazilian forward Elias Manoel from Gremio for an undisclosed transfer fee and signed him to a three-year MLS contract through 2025 with an option for 2026, the club announced today.

"Elias [Manoel] proved to have a great potential in MLS in the short time he was with us last season," said Head of Sport Jochen Schneider. "We are very happy to have him with us permanently and excited to see him continue to help accomplish the goals we have as a club."

Manoel, 21, was most recently on loan with the Red Bulls for the last couple months of the 2022 MLS season. He made six regular season appearances for New York, where he scored two goals and added one assist. The forward made his first career MLS appearance and start on August 31 against CF Montreal in a 1-0 win at Stade Saputo. Manoel scored his first two career MLS goals in a 2-0 win against Charlotte FC on MLS Decision Day at Red Bull Arena.

"I am very excited to have Elias [Manoel] back with us for this upcoming season," said Head Coach Gerhard Struber. "We think that Elias [Manoel] can be an important player for us this season and we are looking forward to seeing him to grow within the group."

The Itapevi, Brazil native scored nine goals in 40 appearances for Gremio, including two goals in 637 minutes before joining New York on loan. Manoel spent his entire soccer career with Gremio, which plays in Campeonato Brasilerio Serie B. He made his first team debut for Gremio on March 30, 2021, against Campeonato Gaucho. During the 2022 Campeonato Gaucho, he scored five goals in 11 matches to lead Gremioto the 2022 Campeonato Gaucho title. The forward won two Campeonato Gaucho's and two Recopa Guacha's in his time with Gremio.