The San Jose Earthquakes announced Thursday that the club has signed defender Paulo Renato pending receipt of his P-1 Visa and international transfer certificate. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Earthquakes also announced that forward Kris Tyrpak has been placed on waivers.
"Dominic [Kinnear, Earthquakes coach] and I traveled to Portugal this year and Paulo was a player we identified," said Earthquakes general manager John Doyle in a statement. "Paulo is a well-rounded player and a solid defender. He will be an important part of the team this season."
Renato, 27, started his professional career with Sporting Lisbon after being promoted from Sporting Clube de Portugal's famed youth academy in 2007-08. In 2010-11, he played for Olhanense of the Portuguese Premier League, before joining Trofense in 2011-12. In 2012-13, Renato made 24 appearances, including 23 starts, for Atlético Clube Portugal of the Portuguese Second Division. The following season, he joined AD Oliveirense, appearing in 22 games (20 starts) and scoring one goal. In 2014-15, he made two starts with CDR Quarteirense, before transferring to Operário and making 13 starts.
Renato also started all four games for the Portuguese national team in the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada, and wore the captain's armband for a Round of 16 match vs. Chile.
