Fernando dos Santos Pedro is joining FC Red Bull Salzburg from Ukrainian UEFA Champions League regulars Shakhtar Donetsk, and has signed a contract running until 30 June 2027.
The 23-year-old striker left Brazil for Shakhtar in summer 2018. A year later, Fernando went on loan to Sporting Lisbon for half a year before returning to Ukraine.
The striker with lightning speed has scored a total of 12 goals for Shakhtar in 69 appearances (with two goals in the UEFA Champions League). Fernando is a two-time Ukrainian champion (2018/19, 2019/20) and cup winner (2018/19).
Straight to Salzburg from Brazil
Due to the situation in Ukraine, the Brazilian has been training individually in his home country in recent weeks. Thanks to an agreement with Shakhtar on the terms of his departure, Fernando will immediately join training with FC Red Bull Salzburg. He will not be eligible to play until next season, however.
Details
Born: 1 March 1999
Height: 1.76 m
Last club: Shakhtar Donetsk
Position: Striker
Views
We have known Fernando for a long time and have been following his career intensively for three years. The way he plays football is a perfect match for our philosophy, as he offers a lot of aggression and tempo. He has also proved himself by playing and scoring at the highest level in the Champions League. We are pleased to have got a player we really wanted and are sure that he will continue to develop here in Salzburg with our idea of football.
I am delighted to have become a part of FC Red Bull Salzburg. It is a big club that shows just what it can do year by year in the Champions League. The last few months have not been easy for me, which makes me look forward even more to getting right into things here. In conversations with the sporting director and coach, I felt that they really wanted me here. This faith is very important to me, and I would like to repay it. I am sure that I will soon find my way into this young team and contribute to their success next year.
