ISL: Portuguese winger Luis Machado signs for NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) have signed 27-year-old Portuguese winger Luis Machado for the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season, the club announced on Saturday. The skilful right-footed attacker joins NEUFC from Portuguese top division outfit Moreirense FC and has been quite a regular player in the Liga NOS, having also turned out for CD Tondela and CD Feirense previously.

Although he had only 1 goal and 3 assists in 24 appearances for Moreirense last season, Machado’s natural ability and flair should help him establish himself as an attacking mainstay for the Highlanders. With Khassa Camara’s arrival a few days back, this signing signals a positive intent from the club in getting the team balance right ahead of what is going to be a gruelling season of football.

Alongside Uruguayan Federico Gallego who has been retained from last season, this attacking trio looks quite promising on paper and should manage more than the meagre 16 goals that the club scored last term on their way to a 9th placed finish.

https://twitter.com/NEUtdFC/status/1309837739714519041

NEUFC’s Executive Director Priya Runchal while speaking about the player said, “Luis gives us options going forward as he has the ability to play on both flanks. He is a skilful player who has come through the system in Portugal and we are really excited to have him with us.”

Indeed, his experience in Europe can come in handy for a side that is desperate for a shakeup after a highly disappointing season and coach Nus would be counting on his defensive input as well whether he deploys him on the left or the right wing. As far as Machado is concerned, this will be his first foray in Asia and he can’t wait to get started.

“I have heard about the League and the Club from my peers and am looking forward to the experience”, added the Portuguese before going on to add that he would do everything to help the team become successful. After a quiet transfer window, it finally seems that North East fans have something to look forward to as we get closer to the start of the season.