In 2019, after finishing his formation, he moved abroad and joined Portuguese side Famalicão, but only played for their under-23 team.
[2] On 9 July 2022, still owned by São Bernardo, Clayton joined Nacional of the Liga Portugal 2 on a two-year loan deal.
[3] An undisputed starter, he signed a permanent deal with fellow second division side AVS on 6 July 2023.
[4] After being a first-choice during the season as the club achieved promotion to Primeira Liga, Clayton made his top tier debut on 10 August 2024, starting in a 1–1 home draw against former side Nacional.
Late in the month, he returned to his home country and signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Internacional in the Série A.