Chennaiyin FC sign Brazilian playmaker Lukas Brambilla on a one-year deal
Chennaiyin FC have announced the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Lukas Brambilla, who becomes the club’s ninth signing of the summer. The 29-year-old last played in Cyprus and has signed a one-year deal with the club.
Brambilla has been a journeyman in his career, playing in South America, Europe, and Asia.
After starting his career in Brazil, he moved to Crimea in 2017 and has since played for multiple clubs in Finland, Greece, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. He also had a stint with Qatari second division club Mesaimeer SC back during the 2022-23 season.
The Brazilian brings a wealth of experience, but also arrives in fine form, having scored and assisted seven goals each for Othellos Athienou in the Cypriot first division.
After signing the one-year deal, Brambilla expressed his delight in joining Chennaiyin FC and said (via the club's official website):
"I am very happy and honored to join this great club. The expectations are huge and I can’t wait to wear this shirt and do my best on the field."
Brambilla had several offers and was linked to clubs across Europe, and consequently, Chennaiyin FC head coach Owen Coyle stated that securing his signing is a huge boost for both the club and the league.
“The fellas had to beat off a lot of competition for his signature. He was chased all over Europe because of his outstanding season last year in Cyprus and again playing a very good league. So we look forward to working with Lukas and hoping we can help him to shine and blossom and continue to improve as a player,” Coyle said.
What will Lukas Brambilla add to Chennaiyin FC?
Lukas Brambilla arrives as the replacement for Chennaiyin FC icon and departing attacking midfielder Rafael Crivellaro. While he is not a direct replacement for Crivellaro, Brambilla brings a more dynamic style and offers a different value to the team.
Owen Coyle expressed his delight at signing the playmaker, noting that Brambilla’s ability in the midfield and final third will be a valuable addition to the club, especially with several young Indian players around him.
"Lukas Brambilla is such an exciting player, and he adds to the exciting players that we were saying. The young Indian players, in particular, will benefit from his creative skills. Again, can take men on, he scores goals, creates goals, plays set-play delivery, and is excited coming aboard."
"Obviously, another Brazilian. What a terrific joy at the club with the Brazilians that we have had. It’s similar to my time working with Rafa and Brambilla falls into that mold. Just a wonderfully entertaining player, well-skilled and the Brazilian comes with a desire to do well for the football club. So we are excited," Coyle stated.
Brambilla is primarily a number 10 but is also capable of playing on both flanks and as a false 9, thanks to his attacking instincts in the penalty area. He excels at delivering crosses from half-spaces and wide areas, while his long-range passing is another standout feature.
In addition to his skills with the ball, Brambilla’s work rate will please Coyle, given his high-intensity approach when out of possession. Ultimately, this signing appears to align well with what the Scottish tactician expects from his attacking midfielders, both with and without the ball.