San Jose Earthquakes have completed the signing of English midfielder Ronaldo Vieira from Italian Serie A side Sampdoria.
The 27-year-old, who is of Bissau-Guinean heritage, has agreed a deal running until December 2026, with an option to extend for a further year.
Vieira, who has represented England at Under-21 level, will make his Major League Soccer debut today, marking a fresh chapter in a career that has so far been based entirely in Europe.
The move follows an agreement between San Jose and Sampdoria, bringing to an end Vieira’s seven-year spell in Italy.
Since joining Sampdoria from Leeds United in 2018, Vieira made 105 appearances for the Genoa club.
During his time in Serie A, he also had loan stints at Hellas Verona and Torino, experiences that further sharpened his tactical awareness and defensive capabilities.
Known for his tenacity in midfield, Vieira excels at breaking up opposition play and quickly launching counterattacks.
His speed, precision, and physical strength have made him a consistent presence in the middle of the park.
Before his Italian adventure, Vieira developed through Leeds United’s youth system, making his way from the U18 squad to the senior side before attracting interest from abroad.
His performances in the English Championship demonstrated a maturity beyond his years, prompting his move to Serie A, where he adapted to the technical and tactical demands of Italian football.
The Earthquakes, who continue to build a squad capable of competing at the top end of the MLS, view Vieira’s signing as a strategic reinforcement.
His blend of European experience and international pedigree offers both leadership and quality in a competitive league that values dynamic midfield play.
The reported $400,000 transfer fee reflects San Jose’s belief in Vieira’s potential impact.
Over the next 18 months, the club will be looking to integrate him swiftly into their system, with the hope that his composure on the ball and ability to read the game will prove decisive in crucial matches.
For Vieira, the move represents an opportunity to test himself in a new footballing environment while bringing his European-honed skills to an emerging and ambitious league.
The Earthquakes faithful will be eager to see how quickly he can adapt and whether his arrival can help propel the team toward their season’s objectives.
