ISL: Eli Sabia set to partner Peter Hartley in Jamshedpur FC'S defensive line

Jamshedpur FC completed the signing of Brazilian center-back Eli Sabia from Indian Super League side Chennaiyn FC, as the club continued its squad-building process for the upcoming football season. Eli becomes Jamshedpur's fourth foreign player, along with Peter Hartley, Alex Lima and Nerijus Valskis.

"I see Jamshedpur as a club and a city with big ambition. I want to give my best for the team and the fans who are so passionate about the team. I want to compete to win each match and battle to get the top honours for the club and the fans," Eli claimed with delight on signing for Jamshedpur.

The 32-year-old comes with four seasons of Indian Super League (ISL) under his belt with his time at Chennaiyin FC before joining Jamshedpur, where he also helped his team to finals of the ISL in 2019-20 and the Super Cup in 2019.

Jamshedpur FC Head Coach, Owen Coyle was ecstatic to reunite with the Brazilian. "Eli is one of the best defenders in the ISL. He is an outstanding personality and is a real team player. He has been playing in the ISL for 4 seasons, one of them with me, and comes with a serial winning mentality. Just like Peter, he has a great command in defence and is very organised. His tall and robust presence will provide so much solidity and security at the back. I am looking forward to working with him again," he said.

Hailing from Sao Paulo, Eli began his career at local club Paulista, progressing through the youth ranks before appearing for the senior team. He had several high-profile loan spells during his time at Paulista, with one of them at Swiss top division outfit FC Lausanne in 2007-08 besides stints at Brazilian giants Santos and Atletico Paranaense. At Santos in 2009-10, he was teammates with Brazilian superstar Neymar, who was enjoying his breakthrough season at the time.

Eli has been handed jersey number 13 by the club and will be joining his teammates for pre-season which is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.