The ink dried on the 23-year-old’s contract at Hogwood Park this afternoon as the versatile Porto Alegre-born midfielder committed his future to the Royals until 2022.
Mark Bowen said, “Felipe looks like a really bright, young talent who can play in two or three different positions…right-back, on the right side of midfield and as a defensive central midfielder.
“He’s got those Brazilian qualities – the ball is his friend! I spoke with him when he arrived in the country this morning and he is a clever kid with a good personality and his English is very good, which should mean he settles well in England and fits in amongst the first team group.”
Araruna came through the youth ranks at São Paulo to make his mark at first team level, breaking through to represent his boyhood club in Campeonato Brasileiro Série A action in 2017 and 2018.
His first start in Serie A came in a 1-1 draw against Fluminense in June 2017, playing in the same side as Lyon’s Thiago Mendes and against current Everton forward Richarlison.
Last year, Araruna garnered first team experience in the form of a loan spell with fellow top flight Brazilian side Fortaleza, making his debut in a cup competition back in March before earning regular Serie A football under Head Coach Rogério Ceni – the man credited for spotting his ability in the youth ranks at São Paulo.
His last appearance came at the end of a campaign that saw Fortaleza finish ninth in the Brazilian top tier, starting in a 2-1 win over Bahia at the Castelão last month.
The versatile Brazilian will now add further competition for starting places in Mark Bowen’s squad in RG2.
Chief Executive Nigel Howe, said “A player who comes with experience of top flight football in Brazil arrives with good pedigree behind him. I am delighted Felipe is here and excited to see him play for the Royals.”
Bem-vindo a Reading, Felipe.