The New York Red Bulls closed Major League Soccer’s Secondary Transfer Window with the acquisition of Elias Manoel Alves de Paula, also known as Elias Manoel…also known as Elias. The Brazilian attacker moved over from Campeonato Brasileiro Série B side Grêmio Foot-Ball Porto Alegrense, a curious and speculative short-term loan with a purchase option. The 20-year-old has experienced an interesting yet brief professional career filled with great yet unfulfilled potential, mired in back-to-back seasons of relegation spiraling and a roster logjam. While far from the gravity-shifting presence of a Gareth Bale, he may prove useful as the club attempts to survive the summer swoon and keep pace in the playoff hunt.
Will the Red Bulls finally turn Elias Manoel into a striker?
