Mohun Bagan sign Spanish defender Francisco Morante

The Spaniard has vast experience of playing in his native's Segunda Division.

Mohun Bagan have managed to secure the services of Spanish defender Francisco Morante from Segunda Division B side, Internacional de Madrid.

This news comes on the back of several Indian signings for the Mariners. The club management has already disclosed that Jose Antonio 'Kibu' Vicuna will take charge of the outfit in the upcoming season as head coach. The members of his support staff were also selected after proper consultation with him.

Morante joins Bagan from Internacional de Madrid, a Segunda Division club in Spain where he was a regular performer. The 26-year-old comes up from the youth setup of famous Spanish side Cordoba CF and has also plied his trade for teams like Granada CF, Real Murcia, CD Badajoz and Salamanca CF before joining his recent club.

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The centre-back has been a defensive mainstay for his previous club, where he made 28 appearances, which also includes an appearance in the Copa del Rey. In that period, he has also netted two goals proving his credentials from set-pieces.

Morante becomes the first foreign signing for Bagan this summer, as the Mariners look to solidify their defence before anything else. The 26-year-old is expected to join the fray with head coach Kibu Vicuna later this month, as they start preparations for the upcoming Calcutta Football League (CFL), where his performances are likely to be scrutinized.

Mohun Bagan were unimpressive at the back last season in the I-League. Hence, the management and the new coach are eager to rectify that department quickly ahead of the new campaign. It will be interesting to see how the Spaniard fits into the team and adapts to new conditions in India.