ISL 2026-27: Mumbai City FC rope in Brazilian attacking midfielder Hadrian Dos Santos
The Islanders sit 11th on the ISL 2026-27 points table.
Mumbai City FC have completed the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos, with the 30-year-old arriving as a replacement for Leandro Otormin, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026-27 ISL season due to a knee injury.
The Islanders confirmed Hadrian’s arrival on Wednesday, November 11, as they look to strengthen their attacking options following a difficult start to the campaign.
Otormin suffered a serious knee injury during Mumbai City’s goalless draw against Kerala Blasters FC and has since returned to his home country to undergo surgery and begin his recovery.
Hadrian Dos Santos replaces Otormin to fill the blind spot
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Born in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, Hadrian is a left-footed attacking midfielder who has spent most of his career in Brazilian football. He has represented several clubs across the country, including Ypiranga FC, Foz do Iguaçu, Cascavel, Atlético de Alagoinhas and Ríver AC.
He has also had spells with Santo André, Inhumas and Moto Club before returning to Barcelona-BA in December 2025.
His most recent appearance came for Barcelona-BA on January 12, 2026, in the Campeonato Baiano. Having not featured in a competitive fixture since then, his match fitness and ability to adapt to Indian football will be important factors as he settles into his new surroundings.
Speaking after completing the move, Hadrian expressed his excitement about joining the Islanders and promised to give his best for the club.
“I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to be part of this team. I want to give my best every time I step onto the pitch, help my teammates and make the fans proud,” he said.
Mumbai City FC’s Director of Football, Sujay Sharma, also explained the reasoning behind the signing, highlighting the need to maintain squad depth following Otormin’s injury.
“Given the season-ending injury to Leandro, we have moved to get in Hadrian as a replacement so that the team continues to have options and squad depth. We are hopeful Hadrian will give his all and contribute positively to help us get desired results going forward,” Sharma stated.
Mumbai City FC look to rebuild after Manolo Marquez’s departure
Hadrian’s arrival is another step in Mumbai City’s attempt to rebuild their squad following the departure of head coach Manolo Marquez after just four matches. The Spaniard’s exit came amid disagreements with the club’s management over recruitment, squad depth and the quality of options available to him.
The Islanders have already seen some encouraging performances from their existing foreign contingent. Sergio Llamas, Carlos Delgado and Lazar Cirkovic have all made positive contributions in the opening four matches, providing stability and quality in their respective positions.
Hadrian now becomes the latest addition to the foreign roster as Mumbai look to improve their attacking output.
Meanwhile, Wilmar Jordan Gil, who has also been sidelined with an injury, could return at some point during the season. His injury is understood to be less severe than Otormin’s, offering the club some hope of having another attacking option available in the coming months.
With 20 matches still remaining in the league campaign, Mumbai City have time to turn their season around. However, having already dealt with multiple injuries and a managerial change, the Islanders will be hoping their latest additions can make an immediate impact.
Much will also depend on Hadrian’s fitness and how quickly he adapts to Indian football, with the club needing him to remain available for the remainder of the campaign.
Who is Mumbai City FC’s latest signing for the ISL 2026-27 season?
Mumbai City FC have signed Brazilian attacking midfielder Hadrian Benavenuto Dos Santos as a replacement for the injured Leandro Otormin.
Why have Mumbai City FC signed Hadrian Dos Santos?
The Islanders signed Hadrian after Leandro Otormin suffered a serious knee injury during their goalless draw against Kerala Blasters FC, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
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