Atlético announce Brazilian winger Samuel Lino

Atlético Madrid have announced the signing of Samuel Lino from Portguese side Gil Vicente. The 22-year-old has signed a five-year deal with the Rojiblancos.

The transfer fee was not released but it is believed to be around €6.5 million. The deal was first reported in January.

According to the club’s official statement, Lino is “a versatile player who can play on both wings, standing out for his speed and his great ability to face rival defenders.”

Speaking to the club’s media, Lino described himself as a “very fast (player who) can play on the wings. I like to dribble and attack the defense but I also like to defend and help out the collective.”

Lino started his career at São Bernardo in his native Brazil before moving to Flamengo on loan and then on to Gil Vicente, for whom he played 99 games. He had his best season in Europe last year with 12 goals and five assists as the club finished fifth in the Primeira Liga.

Atlético have to make a decision on the number of non-Europeans allowed to be in their squad. Currently, they have Santiago Arias, Felipe Monteiro, Matheus Cunha, Nehuén Pérez and now Lino with pre-season starting on Sunday.

Arias is surely set to leave the club, although the lack of right-backs is concerning. Pérez, the 22-year-old centre-back, is another player likely to leave on loan or on a permanent transfer with a buyback option.