Thiago won't be joining the Cosmos, as he signs with Minnesota United

Reports last week surfaced that the Cosmos were on the verge of signing Sydney FC defender Thiago have proven to be incorrect. The Brazilian born defender was released by the Australian club in January, but has decided to sign with NASL rivals Minnesota United instead. Thiago had not played since November, after being suspended for making contact with a referee.

The 32-year old has played for Botafogo, Young Boys, Fortuna Dusseldorf, MSV Duisburg, Newcastle Jets, and Barcelona B prior to joining Sydney FC. He'd have provided another solid option in the center of the New York defense, likely challenging Hunter Gorskie, Carlos Mendes, and Roversio for a starting role.

The Cosmos' (apparent) loss will probably be United's gain. While Minnesota's defense was about league average during the fall season, they were terrible during the spring. Thiago should immediately lock down a starting role there, and could help to make United a much more balanced squad in 2014.

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