NorthEast United, Odisha FC eyeing Brazilian defender Gerson

The 28-year-old has previously had successful stints with clubs from his native country as well as those from Poland and Austria among others.

As the Indian Super League (ISL) sides work hard on filling their squads for the upcoming season, NorthEast United and Odisha FC are looking into the land of the samba to reinforce their backlines. Khel Now has learnt that the two ISL clubs are tracking Brazilian defender Gerson Guimaraes, who is currently a free agent. The two clubs are pondering upon a potential deal for the 28-year-old who can operate in a number of positions, including defensive midfield.

Gerson will bring quite the experience with him having travelled all around the world plying his trade with several clubs over the last decade. A youth academy product of esteemed Brazilian side Botafago, he also spent one year at PSV Eindhoven’s academy before being roped in by La Liga giants Atletico Madrid.

In Spain, he played for Atletico’s reserves side for a season, making only a few appearances. Since then, he’s played for a number of European sides over the last nine years and has found the most amount of success with Polish first division side Lechia Gdansk.

Interestingly, Gerson has spent six seasons on loan at different clubs over the last decade. He has also played in Asia in the past, having played for K League 1 side Gangwon FC in the 2016-17 season.

Last year, he played for Brazilian third-division club Sao Bento, making 11 appearances and managing a goal as well. However, since the turn of the year, the 6’1 tall defender has been without a club and could be interested in making the jump into the ISL.

NorthEast United had a decent defensive record last season, conceding 30 goals from 18 games and keeping a number of clean sheets. But it seems the Highlanders want a more reaffirming figure in their backline to further tighten up their defence for the upcoming season.

On the other hand, Odisha FC have already reinforced their backline with the signing of custodians Ravi Kumar and Kamaljit Singh for the upcoming season. They also opted for an India-centric backline last season, with Carlos Delgado being the only foreigner to feature in their defence.

Nonetheless, it looks like both sides want a dominating, bullish centre-back among their ranks for next season. Gerson has tons of experience to improve either side and is physically as well as technically apt enough to boost any defence in the league.