ISL side Chennaiyin FC sign Portuguese defender Nuno Reis

Former Mumbai City centre-back becomes Clifford Miranda’s first foreign signing

Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of experienced Portuguese defender Nuno Reis ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Khel Now can reveal.

The 35-year-old centre-back has agreed a one-year contract with the Marina Machans after leaving Mumbai City FC at the end of last season.

Reis becomes one of Chennaiyin’s key foreign additions as the club continues rebuilding under new head coach Clifford Miranda ahead of the upcoming campaign.

A defender with experience across Europe and India

Reis arrives in Chennai with over 15 years of professional football behind him.

A product of the renowned Sporting CP academy in Portugal, the defender captained Portugal’s U-20 side during their run to the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup final, sharing the dressing room with players who later became established internationals.

His senior career has taken him across several European leagues, representing clubs including FC Metz in France, Cercle Brugge in Belgium, Panathinaikos in Greece and Levski Sofia in Bulgaria before enjoying a successful spell with Melbourne City in Australia.

During his three seasons in the A-League, Reis won three consecutive Premiership titles and an A-League Championship, establishing himself as one of the competition’s most reliable defenders.

Related: How Chennaiyin FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Familiar face in the ISL

Indian football fans are already familiar with Reis.

He was signed by Mohun Bagan ahead of the 2024-25 season, although circumstances meant he did not feature competitively for the club.

Earlier this year, Mumbai City signed the Portuguese defender midway through the 2025-26 campaign following changes to their defensive unit.

Reis quickly established himself in the starting XI, making 13 consecutive ISL appearances while bringing leadership and composure to the Islanders’ backline.

Why Chennaiyin wanted him

Although naturally a centre-back, Reis is comfortable playing as a holding midfielder when required.

His positional awareness, leadership, and experience are expected to be valuable to a Chennaiyin side looking to build a more settled defensive unit under Clifford Miranda.

With a young squad taking shape around him, the Portuguese veteran is expected to play an important mentoring role both on and off the pitch.

Chennaiyin FC in the 2026-27 summer transfer window

Chennaiyin FC have been active in both the transfer and contract-renewal markets ahead of the new season.

The Marina Machans have already strengthened their Indian core by signing Ayush Chhetri, Brison Fernandes and Muhammed Saheef, while also handing new contracts to Maheson Tongbram Singh, S. Prakadeswaran and Klusner John Manuel Pereira.

At the same time, the club have parted ways with several senior players, including Imran Khan, Mandar Rao Desai, Alberto Noguera, Gurkirat Singh, Elsinho, Jitendra Singh, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Inigo Martin, Chima Chukwu, Laldinliana Renthlei and Eduardo Santos, as they continue reshaping the squad for the 2026-27 ISL season.

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