Marcelinho joins ATK Mohun Bagan on loan from Odisha FC

The Brazilian midfielder made eight appearances for the Juggernauts this season.

ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC reached an agreement regarding the loan swap deal of Bradden Inman and Marcelinho earlier today. The prolific Brazilian is the fourth-highest goalscorer in the history of the Indian Super League, but has struggled to find gametime this season. Marcelinho will now spend the rest of the season with the Mariners on loan.

The midfielder spent his youth days at the famous club Flamengo in Brazil, before joining the “B” team of Atletico Madrid. He spent most of his career in the Greek league, with shifts in the Emirati and Italian leagues as well. Marcelinho came to the ISL back in 2016 having signed for erstwhile Delhi Dynamos and quickly gained fame with his stylish gameplay, also winning the Golden Boot that season.

Thereafter, he was also instrumental in guiding his former club FC Pune City to the semifinals for the first time in their history in the 2017-18 season. The talismanic attacker netted nine goals in that campaign. Plying his trade for two seasons at the club, the Brazilian scored 14 goals for the team before joining the newly-formed franchise Hyderabad FC, where he scored seven times in 17 appearances.

Later on, he joined Odisha FC at the start of the ongoing season, but has failed to make a mark with injuries plaguing his first half of the season. In eight appearances so far, he only clocked 307 minutes, something below par for a player of his calibre.

Marcelinho can be the perfect player ATK Mohun Bagan needed in their depleted attack. The Mariners have been missing Michael Soosairaj as well as Jobby Justin with long-term injuries and Marcelinho's signing can be a boost they need at the business end of the season. The Brazilian promises to bring the much needed upliftment on the left flank, along with his set-piece taking abilities which come as an added advantage.

ATK Mohun Bagan host Kerala Blasters on Sunday and it will be interesting to see whether the Brazilian playmaker makes his debut.