The Halifax Wanderers have signed Canadian midfielder Camilo Vasconcelos to a CPL Development Contract.

Vasconcelos, 18, comes to Halifax from League1 Ontario side Guelph United after scoring four goals in 11 matches during the 2023 season. 

“Camilo is a young player with a really high ceiling that has the adaptability to play within our structure,” Wanderers head coach Patrice Gheisar said. “His addition gives us a young player with the ability to help us in the final stretch while also monitoring for next year as well.”

In 2022, Vasconcelos was named Guelph United’s U21 Player of the Year, as the then 17-year-old scored five goals in seven matches with the U21 team to go along with two first-team goals in League1 play.   

This is the second time this summer that Vasconcelos is involved in the Wanderers setup. In July, he started two matches for Wanderers U23 in the International Summer Series against German side Holstein Kiel. Those matches happened while Vasconcelos was on a training stint with the first team, allowing him to work closely with both head coach Patrice Gheisar and U23 head coach Jed Davies.

“Playing with our U23 team, Camilo demonstrated he has the characteristics and attributes to thrive in a professional environment, and I’m excited to see him bring his qualities into our first team,” Wanderers assistant coach and head of youth development Jed Davies said. “He’s an explosive player who injects quickness and unpredictability, ultimately helping the team turn possession into opportunities to hurt the opposition.” 

Capable of playing in either central midfield or on the wing, Vasconcelos signed a development contract with York United FC earlier this season. He made the matchday roster on three occasions in June and July. 

League roster rules allow clubs to sign up to four Development Permits with Canadian U18 players (born January 1, 2005, or later). Domestic U18 players can sign up to two development permits in a CPL season and appear in up to three matches per permit. Vasconcelos was previously on a development permit with York United and will be eligible for a maximum of three CPL appearances with the Wanderers this season. 

Full Name: Camilo Vasconcelos

Age: 18

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’8”

Birth Date: March 19, 2005 

Birthplace: Cambridge, Ontario

Nationality: Canadian

Last Club: Guelph United (League1 Ontario)