NorthEast United FC rope in Argentine striker Maximiliano Barreiro

The striker last played for Ecuadorian outfit S.D. Aucas, contributing five goals and three assists in 17 league matches.

NorthEast United FC have wrapped up a deal for 34-year-old Argentine forward Maximiliano Barreiro. The striker last played for Ecuadorian outfit S.D. Aucas, contributing five goals and three assists in 17 league matches. Barreiro has penned a one-year contract with the club.

Maximiliano “The Bomber” Barreiro is now a Highlander! ????#WelcomeMax #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/AdUdjqlKam

— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) August 22, 2019

The forward adds much-needed firepower to the Highlanders' ranks

Just as comfortable playing on the right hand of the attack, Barreiro made his senior professional debut for Argentine club, Deportivo Merlo almost a decade ago. He played more than 30 matches for them, scoring nine goals and laying out three assists. He returned to the club after a short spell with Club Atlético San Martín and scored a further six goals in 18 matches in the 2011-12 season.

His first taste of playing football abroad came with Ecuadorian side Mushuc Runa S.C. two years later. He scored 13 times for them in 40 appearances, quickly becoming one of the more feared names in the league. He was on the move again soon after, this time signing for Uruguayan outfit Defensor Sporting. However, he failed to manage substantial playing time thus prompting a move back to Ecuador.

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Playing for Delfín SC in the 2015-16 season, the versatile forward enjoyed the best time of his career as he scored 26 times in just 44 appearances. He then had stints with Mexican outfit, Club Necaxa and Ecuadorian unit, Independiente.

Barreiro also tried his luck in Columbia, representing Atlético Huila five times in the 2017-18 term. This will be the forward’s first stint in Asia and NorthEast fans will hope the veteran striker can fill the large void left in the side’s offence due to the departure of Bartholomew Ogbeche.