Quakes acquire defensive midfielder Ronaldo Vieira

The San Jose Earthquakes acquired defensive midfielder Ronaldo Vieira from Italy's UC Sampdoria on Thursday.

Vieira, 27, is signed through 2026 with options for 2027 and 2028 and will occupy an international roster slot.

The Guinea-Bissau native recorded one assist in 21 matches (12 starts) for Sampdoria in Serie B in 2024-25.

"I'm very excited to be coming to San Jose and play in front of the Earthquakes fans," Vieira said in a news release. "I describe myself as a ball-winner--a guy who breaks the other team's attack and then just give it to the guys who can go and get the goals. I think we can make that final push into the playoffs."

Before joining Sampdoria in 2018, the former England youth international played for Leeds United from 2016-18.