MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis 901 FC announced on Friday the club had signed Brazilian forward Marlon Santos to a multi-year contract through the 2025 USL Championship season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

“We are excited with the addition of Marlon to our team,” 901 FC Assistant Sporting Director Caleb Patterson-Sewell said. “He is an extremely dangerous attacking player. He can finish, create, and he works hard defensively. That fits with what our team is all about.”

The 28-year-old joins 901 FC having previously made 90 USL Championship appearances during stints at FC Tulsa and Birmingham Legion FC. Santos has tallied 26 goals and 11 assists in three years in the league, recording at least nine goals in each of his last two full seasons.

Analysis

Marlon’s return to the Championship with Memphis 901 FC after competing in Israel for Ironi Kiryat Shmona gives the side a flexible option who figures to fill a slot on the left side of attacking midfield for the club in the new season. The 28-year-old grew in his time in the Championship, and he equaled a career high with nine goals for Birmingham Legion FC in 2022 while also setting a career mark with 32 chances created in 2,230 minutes.

Marlon has also shown himself willing to take on defenders one-on-one, although not always with the greatest consistency. In 2022 he recorded an individual season-best 39 dribbles completed, but only at a 42.4 percent success rate. When he gets into space, though, Marlon is a threat and should be among those providing service to Kyle Murphy in the center.