ISL 2017: Jamshedpur FC sign former NorthEast United FC star Wellington Cirino Priori

What’s the story?

A Jamshedpur FC official confirmed to Sportskeeda that they have signed Brazilian defensive midfielder Wellington Cirino Priori and he will be able to play for them from January 15, once the transfer window opens. Priori, whose contract with Pattaya United has expired, was a free agent and he will be a good addition to the Jamshedpur squad as they plan to rejuvenate themselves and climb up the ISL table.

In case you didn’t know

Priori has had a taste of Indian football as he made 12 appearances for NorthEast United in the 2016 season. He then went on to play for Thailand club Pattaya United and scored three goals for them.

Just before the start of the ISL season, Jamshedpur had gone for a training camp in Thailand and had faced Pattaya United in a friendly, which they lost 3-0. As Priori was part of Pattaya United at that time, he caught the eye of Jamshedpur coach Steve Coppell.

ISL rules allow each team to hire the services of maximum eight foreigners and Jamshedpur still had one overseas player less. Jamshedpur decided to boost their squad with that extra player.

Heart of the matter

Jamshedpur FC are in a tricky situation in the league as they have managed to garner just nine points from seven games and are struggling at the sixth spot on the table. Priori, being a free agent has also simplified the process for Jamshedpur as they can get the paper work done as soon as the transfer window opens.

What’s next?

Priori will be able to play for the team from the City of Steel in their home game against Kerala Blasters on January 17.

Author’s take

Jamshedpur are a side which have conceded the least number of goals, two to be precise and Priori’s addition will surely help their defenders as he is most likely to be deployed in front of the backline.