Reds use option to buy Auro

Toronto FC locked down Auro permanently on Monday by exercising its option to buy the defender from Brazilian club Sao Paulo FC.

The 22-year-old wingback — who initially joined the club on a season-long loan in February with the possibility of staying on long-term written into that deal — was one of the Reds’ biggest success stories in an otherwise forgettable season.

Auro, who was thrown into CONCACAF Champions League qualifying about a week after he signed with Toronto, adapted quickly to the demands of concurrent campaigns in that tournament and Major League Soccer, as well as the league and the Canadian Championship later in the summer.

Toronto brass made it clear retaining the defender was a priority this off-season, as is tightening up its defence overall.

“Auro showed in 2018 that he’s a very capable two-way player and an important part of our team,” Tim Bezbatchenko, Toronto FC’s senior vice-president of soccer operations and general manager, said in a release. “Auro is an attacking threat on the wing who also puts in solid defensive work. We are excited to get this deal done and ensure Auro is a Toronto FC player as we continue to shape our roster for the 2019 season.”

Auro played 28 games for the Reds in his debut season, registering five assists.