ISL: Lukas Brambilla joins Chennaiyin FC; East Bengal FC extend Cleiton Silva’s contract

Indian Super League outfit Chennaiyin FC has announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder Lukas Brambilla, the club confirmed on Thursday. Lukas Brambilla has joined the Marina Machans from Cyprus’s top-tier club Othellos Athienou.

The Brazilian has signed a one-year contract with the club and brings in vast experience to the table. He is the fourth foreign signing for the club after Elsinho Dias, Daniel Chima Chukwu, and Wilmar Jordan Gil.

Head coach Owen Coyle expressed his excitement, stating, “Lukas Brambilla is such an exciting player and he adds to the exciting players that we were saying. The young Indian players, in particular, will benefit from his creative skills. Again, can take men on, he scores goals, creates goals, plays set-play delivery, and is excited coming aboard. Obviously, another Brazilian. What a terrific joy at the club with the Brazilians that we have had. It’s similar to my time working with Rafa (Rafael Crivellaro) and Brambilla falls into that mould. Just a wonderfully entertaining player, well-skilled and the Brazilian comes with a desire to do well for the football club. So we are excited.”

He added, “The fellas had to beat off a lot of competition for his signature. He was chased all over Europe because of his outstanding season last year in Cyprus and again playing a very good league. So we look forward to working with Lukas (Brambilla) and hoping we can help him to shine and blossom and continue to improve as a player.”

Lukas has scored 22 goals and has provided 24 assists in 134 appearances at the club level. 

Reflecting on his new journey with Chennaiyin FC, the 29-year-old expressed his excitement about joining the club, saying, “I am very happy and honoured to join this great club. The expectations are huge and I can’t wait to wear this shirt, and do my best on the field”.

On the other hand, East Bengal FC has extended Cleiton Silva’s contract by one more year. The Brazilian was the club’s top goal-scorer in their successful Kalinga Cup campaign. He scored eight goals in 21 matches of the ISL 2023-24 season.

Lauding Cleiton’s consistency, Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal said, “Cleiton (Silva) leads our team from the front and is an inspiration to our young players. He merits a place in our plans for the next season by virtue of being our top scorer over the past two years.”

East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Cleiton has been our top scorer over the past two seasons and leads the team by example. His goals have given us important victories and the East Bengal fans will forever remember his extra-time winner in the Super Cup final, which ended our twelve-year trophy drought at the national level. We are happy to continue working with a top professional like him.”

Delighted to continue his journey with East Bengal FC, Silva said, “I am thrilled to continue my journey with this great club. I’ve always given my best for our fans and our badge. Winning the Super Cup with East Bengal will always be one of the greatest moments of my

Silva has scored 27 goals and 8 assists in 55 games for East Bengal FC after joining the club in 2022.