February 9, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – FC Cincinnati News Release
FC Cincinnati have signed veteran defender Santiago Arias (pronounced: AH-ree-us) to a contract through the 2023 season, with an option for 2024, the club announced today. Arias, 31, joins the Orange and Blue having most recently played in Spain’s La Liga for Granada on loan from Atlético Madrid.
The Colombian full back has made over 275 appearances throughout the top leagues in Europe since signing with Portuguese side Sporting CP in 2011. He also had notable stints with Dutch power PSV Eindhoven (2013-18) and Spanish club Atlético Madrid (2018-22). He has made 54 caps for his country, including seven appearances in the FIFA World Cup, highlighted by starting all four of Colombia’s matches at the 2018 tournament in Russia.
“Santi brings an enormous amount of experience and ability to FC Cincinnati,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “His defensive instincts, character, and overall quality is a welcome addition to the group and I’d like to welcome him and his family to Cincinnati.”
Arias brings over 300 professional appearances for club and country to the Queen City. On July 31, 2018, he was acquired by Atlético Madrid following an impressive stretch with PSV Eindhoven and the Colombian National Team. He made 51 appearances with Atlético, scoring one goal and adding three assists. Six of his appearances with the club came in UEFA Champions League play.
Most recently, Arias played with Granada in the 2021-22 season. He made 12 league appearances and two Copa del Rey appearances, scoring one goal, an 86th minute game-winner in a 2-1 win over Deportivo Alavés on December 3, 2021. Prior to his time with Granada, he spent the 2020-21 season on loan with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
He previously played for PSV Eindhoven, where in over five seasons he played in 172 games, including 10 in Champions League competition, scoring 10 goals and adding 21 assists. Arias lifted five titles with PSV, including three Dutch league (Eredivisie) titles and two Dutch Super Cup victories. In 2017-18, he was named the Eredivisie Player of the Year.
Arias made his European debut with Portugal’s Sporting CP in November 2011, where he made 10 appearances with the first team but spent most of his time with Sporting CP B, where he scored one goal in 28 appearances. Prior to making the move abroad, Arias began his youth career with Colombian side La Equidad and moved into…
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