Kolkata: Brazilian forward Everton Santos was Tuesday roped in by Kolkata franchise ATK for the 2018-19 season of Indian Super League (ISL) beginning next month.
The 31-year-old, who is currently plying his trade at Brazilian third division side Botafogo SP, becomes the fifth foreign signing for the two-time champions.
“I enjoy playing in the ISL and this is all the more special because I am joining a team that has been crowned champions twice,” Santos was quoted saying who was the highest scorer for Mumbai City FC last season.
With his ability to start from either flank, the former PSG man will look to partner Manuel Lanzarote in the middle in coach Steve Coppell’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. “We have built a strong attacking team and Santos further strengthens our attack. He is not only a valuable centre-forward but he is equally brilliant as a winger on both flanks,” Coppell said.
Santos is expected to join ATK in the first week of September during the team’s pre-season training in Spain. He is also the second Brazilian after Gerson Vieira to switch sides from Mumbai City. In all, five have shifted to ATK from Mumbai — the other three being Arindam Bhattacharya, Aiborlang Khongjee and Balwant Singh.