Former Mumbai City FC star Paulo Machado in talks with Portuguese clubs

The 34-year-old international had a contract until 2021 with the Islanders.

Mumbai City FC have released Paulo Machado from his contract ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League. The midfielder has attracted offers from Vitória de Guimarães and Clube Desportivo de Tondela in his native, clubs that compete in the top flight of Portuguese football.

Speaking on Machado's next move, a source close to the developments told Khel Now, "Paulo has two good offers in his native Portugal and is keen to remain close to his family, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He will weight up his options in the coming days and make a decision on his next destination soon."

The presence of Jorge Costa played a key role in Machado moving to Mumbai City FC. The duo had shared the dressing room for FC Porto back in the day and understandably got along well with each other. In the last two seasons, the former Portuguese international led the Islanders on several occasions.

However, his 2019-20 campaign was cut short in December last year due to an injury. Overall, Paulo Machado made 29 appearances in the league for the Islanders. He scored three goals, provided five assists and was a pivotal player in the middle of the park for the team. He pulled the strings in the middle through his astute passing abilities and often guaranteed a composed, reliable presence on the field.

Bimal Parekh, co-owner of Mumbai City FC stated, “Paulo has been a true model professional in these past two years. His influence on the club has been immense, both on and off the pitch and we are thankful for his contributions. All of us at Mumbai City wish Paulo the best for the future.”

The metropolis club have embarked on a new era ever since the City Football Group acquired a 65% stake in the club. In addition to appointing Lobera as their head coach, they have lured in players like Ahmed Jahouh, Mandar Rao Dessai and Mourtada Fall from FC Goa. Most importantly, the Islanders are believed to have activated the ₹1.6 crore release clause of last season's Player of the Year Hugo Boumous too.

ALSO READ: Mumbai City to pay record Rs 1.6cr for FC Goa’s Hugo Boumous

Thus, the club have revamped their foreign contingent ahead of the new campaign. Hence, them letting go of Paulo Machado does not appear to be extremely surprising either.