HAGL recruits former Benfica player who scored 12 goals in 5 years

The player born in 1993 grew up in the Benfica training center, and once played for the Benfica B team in the Portuguese first division. However, Joao Mario has never had the opportunity to play for the first team in this prestigious national championship. HAGL decided to sign a contract with Joao Mario after coach Kiatisak Senamuang directly checked the player's background and performance.

Joao Mario spent most of his time playing in the Portuguese First Division for Benfica B, Atletico CP, Chaves, Academico Viseu. In the 2013/2014 season, he scored 8 goals, which was the most impressive number for a player from Guinea Bissau. Before moving to HAGL, Joao Mario played for Spartak Varna in the Bulgarian National Championship and scored 2 goals.

Joao Mario's scoring record (according to Soccerway data) is not very impressive. Since 2019, he has only scored a total of 10 goals in the national championship, plus 2 goals in the cup.

HAGL signed a contract with Joao Mario.

HAGL Club does not have a good financial level to pursue expensive transfer targets. Therefore, coach Kiatisak is trying to find players who best suit the team's situation. Joao Mario does not require too high a salary and signing fee.

He is considered a suitable replacement for striker Washington Brandao - who just left the mountain town team after 3 years of association. In fact, Brandao only scored 7 goals in 3 seasons, which is hard to say is successful for a foreign striker. Meanwhile, striker Paollo scored 7 goals in the 2023 season but unfortunately he had an accident and passed away.

Meanwhile, HAGL Club also said goodbye to two domestic players, Tran Dinh Bao and Huynh Tuan Linh. Tran Dinh Bao is currently at Thanh Hoa Club while Tuan Linh has not yet determined a new destination.

Midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh also left open the possibility of leaving when he received offers from Hanoi Police Club and Binh Duong Club. Tuan Anh did not leave at all costs but he also wanted to try and find a new environment in his career.

HAGL Club will focus on preparing for the new season from September 11. They will continue to recruit new players and have some friendly matches before the V-League starts.

Mai Phuong

Source: https://vtc.vn/hagl-chieu-mo-cuu-cau-thu-benfica-5-nam-ghi-12-ban-ar820232.html