ISL 2017/18: FC Pune City sign Brazilian forward Diego Carlos
Diego Carlos
What's the story?
FC Pune have secured the services of Brazilian forward Diego Carlos for the upcoming season of the ISL, the club announced on their social media channels earlier today. The man from the land of the Samba adds versatility to the Pune attack, having the ability to play right across the forward line.
Playing mainly as a left winger, Carlos has been known to play on the right as well as a second striker.
In case you didn't know...
FC Pune City have let go of most of their foreign contingent from last season as they look to finally hit the right notes in Antonio Habas' second year in charge of the Stallions.
Habas arrived in Pune last season after leading ATK to the title in the inaugural season followed by a semi-final finish in the second. The Spaniard, however, failed to replicate that success at Pune as they finished a lowly sixth after garnering only 16 points from their 14 games.
Pune remains one of only two teams not to have qualified for the playoffs so far in ISL history - the other being NorthEast United.
The heart of the matter
Coming through the youth ranks of Brazilian club Flamengo, Carlos signed his first professional contract when Corinthians came calling in 2009. The Brazilian, however, has spent his last six seasons in Russia.
Pune decided to retain only Vishal Kaith from their previous season's squad and will see a whole bunch of new faces arrive in the city with the likes of Adil Khan and Kean Lewis leading the line.
The Stallions have so far been pretty active in the recruitment of their foreign stars. However, they have stuck to the formula of 'tried and tested' foreigners. Whilst they have brought back Jonatan Luca despite him having an underwhelming season for the Stallions last time around, they have surrounded him with flair players such as Marcelinho, who was last year's top scorer.
The other foreign signings for Pune so far have been defender Rafael Lopez and Damir Grgic. Meanwhile, in midfield, they have added the services of former Delhi Dynamos man Marcos Tebar.
What's next?
A deal with NorthEast United's top scorer from last season Emiliano Alfaro is also said to be close.
Author's take
Pune were in a short supply for goals last season, finishing the campaign with only 13 goals from their 14 games. Thus, it is no surprise that they have gone for another flair player in terms of their foreign recruit.