WELLINGTON Phoenix FC has completed its first foreign signing for the club’s inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League – Brazilian Daniel Lins Cortes.
WELLINGTON Phoenix FC has completed its first foreign signing for the club-s inaugural season in the Hyundai A-League – Brazilian Daniel Lins Cortes.
The 27-year-old left back/midfielder – known as Daniel – is currently playing for Brazilian side Guarani. He has played most of his career in the Brazilian Campeonato, including time with Juventude and Botafogo. He also played for Dutch first division side FC Twente and Videoton in Hungary.
Herbert said the signing of Daniel, a dead-ball specialist that likes to range forward, was a key to how Phoenix would play this season. He will likely play in midfield at Phoenix.
Other Hyundai A-League clubs, including Adelaide United, had actively chased the 1.80m, 78kg Brazilian.
“It-s great for Phoenix to get a player of this calibre – especially with other A-League clubs interested in his services,” Herbert said.
“South American players are well known for their technical ability and we are sure he will bring that to Phoenix.
“It-s important that we as a club make sure he feels comfortable in his new environment.”
Herbert said after watching considerable video footage of the Brazilian his contacts in Australia and South America had helped secure the deal.
The latest signing brings to 11 the number of players confirmed by Phoenix. New Zealanders Tim Brown, Glen Moss, Mark Paston, Steven Old and Costa Barbarouses have signed on along with Australians Ross Aloisi, Steven O-Dor, Vince Lia, Richard Johnson and Michael Ferrante.
