Mohun Bagan bolster defense by signing Nuno Reis

Nuno Reis was linked with Mohammedan SC before joining Mohun Bagan.

Mohun Bagan have confirmed the signing of Portuguese Nuno Reis to be their seventh foreigner for the 2024-25 season. The Mariners have roped in their third foreign centre-back in the efforts to bolster Jose Molina’s squad ahead of the start of their 2024-25 AFC Champions League Two campaign on Wednesday (18 September).

The 33-year-old defender arrives at the club as a free agent after having spent three years at Melbourne City before leaving them earlier this year. He made over 90 appearances across all competitions for the A-League club from 2021-2024, winning three A-League Premiership and one A-League Championship title with the club.

The Mariners have roped in former Melbourne City defender Nuno Reis 🔥👀#IndianFootball #MohunBagan #nunoreis pic.twitter.com/qomY6VFB8U

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 15, 2024

Reis is a good buddy of Mohun Bagan forward Jamie Maclaren, who also joined the Kolkata giants after leaving Melbourne City earlier this year. The Portuguese defender is now trying hard to finalize his working visa to play in Kolkata and the club’s management are trying their best to bring him to join up with the squad as soon as possible.

The 33-year-old centre-back has voiced his delight at joining the reigning ISL league shield holders, as he told club media: “I had the opportunity to play in clubs from various different countires. A few Indian clubs also wanted to sign for them, which include one major club from Kolkata. But the reason for me joining Mohun Bagan is because of their rich history, their behaviour and their ambitions.

“On top of that, the club management’s planning convinced me. I was notified that Mohun Bagan always makes the best possible squad to become champions. Apart from Maclaren, quite a few footballers known to me have played for Mohun Bagan, and these players also helped convince me for this move. I’ve also heard about the Mohun Bagan supporters’ passion and devotion to the club from them. I’ll try to give my absolute best for the club. I’ll be coming to India very soon where you’ll all see me in the green and maroon jersey!”

Nuno’s role

The Portuguese defender will not be a replacement for any Mariner, instead he will strengthen the ACL 2 squad of Mohun Bagan.

Nuno Reis will not replace any foreigner at Mohun Bagan for now. He will be registered for ACL 2 and assessed accordingly. #IndianFootball

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) September 15, 2024

Mohammedan Sporting reportedly tried to sign Reis, but it appears that the Mariners produced a much more lucrative offer in front of him. The 33-year-old comes with a wealth of experience, as he’s a product of the Sporting CP youth academy and also played for their reserves side.

Apart from that, Reis has the experience of playing in multiple European countries – playing for Ligue 2 side Metz as well as Greek giants Panathinaikos in his career. But his best years were definitely for Melbourne City, as he won multiple league titles with them and will now aim to bring that experience to boost Mohun Bagan’s chances of winning multiple trophies this season.

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