ISL: NorthEast United set to sign Brazilian Ibson Pereira de Melo on free transfer

The versatile 33-year-old forward will lead the line for the Highlanders.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit NorthEast United FC are set to sign Brazilian forward Ibson Pereira de Melo on a free transfer, Khel Now can confirm. The forward becomes the Highlanders' second foreign recruit ahead of the 2023-23 season.

“NorthEast United are close to signing Brazilian forward Ibson Pereira de Melo ahead of the 2023-24 season,” a source close to development informed Khel Now.

About the player

The forward hails from Recife, Brazil. He started his footballing journey with ACD Potiguar in 2014 and made just two appearances for them. He then signed for Cypriot second division side Ethnikos Achna FC ahead of the 2013-14 season.

He played a total of 25 games for the Achniotes and scored two goals in the process. Ibson then moved to Cyprus in 2015 and signed for Ayia Napa FC. He had a brief stint in Cyprus where he featured in 16 games and scored a goal as well.

The forward again moved back to Cyprus and this time signed for first division side Pafos FC. He represented Pafos in 21 games and scored a goal in the 2015-16 season. He then moved to another Cypriot club Ermis Aradippou FC the following season. 

He played 36 games, while scoring seven goals and providing four assists before wrapping up his 2016-17 season. After playing for quite some time in Cyprus, the player moved to Portugal in hope of greener pastures.

He signed for second-division side CS Maritimo. Ibson played 26 games for the Portuguese club and scored one goal while providing three assists. In 2019, the Brazilian moved to Asia for the first time and signed for Thai League 2 side Samat Prakan City 2. 

His move to Thailand turned out to be a revolutionary move. He hit double figures for the first time in his career, as he scored 16 goals in 30 games for the Thai League 2 side. His performances in the second division earned him a move to the Thai top flight.

The following season, he signed for Sukhothai FC and played 27 games for them. He scored 10 goals and provided seven assists for the Fire Bats in the 2020-21 season. 

After another good season in Thailand, Ibson was roped in by another Thai League 1 side Khon Kaen United FC. In 56 games, the forward found the back of the net 21 occasions and provided three assists as well. In total, the player has 110 caps in Thai League and has scored 45 goals and provided 10 assists.

NorthEast United FC’s Preparations

The Highlanders have appointed Mandar Tamhane as their new CEO and the changes are quite visible. With Juan Pedro Benali being appointed as the head coach, the club has already roped in Redeem Tlang, Phalguni Singh, Dinesh Singh, and have also retained the services of Romain Phillipoteaux.

The signing of Ibson comes in as a major addition to the firepower of the Highlanders. Naturally a winger and striker, the forward can play across multiple positions up front and in the middle.