Pedro Guimaraes made his first big move in 2024, leaving the Los Angeles Football Club Academy for Orange County SC.
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On Wednesday, the 18-year-old defender from Aliso Viejo took another big step in his career, completing his transfer to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.
The deal was officially signed in February, but the move couldn’t happen until after Guimaraes’ 18th birthday.
“Frankfurt had scouted me at a tournament,” he said. “I feel like this (move) is the best opportunity for me to develop to go to the next level.”
The official move occurred on his 18th birthday.
Guimaraes made his professional debut with OCSC on Sept. 14, 2024, and finished with six appearances. Last season, he played in 21 games.
He began his development in the Philadelphia Union Academy before moving to Los Angeles.
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“We’re excited to see Pedro officially join Eintracht Frankfurt and take this next step in his career,” OCSC president of soccer operations and general manager Peter Nugent said. “It’s been a privilege to be part of his journey and to watch his development during his time at Orange County SC.
Guimaraes will be starting with the second team at Frankfurt. His contract runs through 2030.
“Pedro Guimaraes is a very exciting prospect at left-back,” Frankfurt’s Sporting director Timmo Hardung said. “We’ve been following his progress for a while now. In addition to strong technical ability, he’s got an outstanding understanding of the game for his age. We’re very pleased that he’s decided to join Eintracht Frankfurt and that he sees his future with us.”
Guimaraes is the ninth player sold by Orange County Soccer Club and the eighth to be moved to a club in Europe.
“I’m looking forward to getting on the field and getting my opportunity,” Guimaraes said. “I’ve always had the desire to play soccer since I was young. I’ve always had a ball at my feet.”
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