The Central Coast Mariners have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Matheus Celestino Moresche Rodrigues on a two-year deal.
Known simply as Moresche, the Brazilian began his career with Vasco de Gama in his homeland before venturing overseas for stints in Latvia and Belarus.
More recently he turned out for Singaporean side Geylang International where he scored 15 goals in 21 games and landed on the radar of Mariners head coach Nick Montgomery.
“Matheus was brought to my attention a few months ago by a trusted friend,” Montgomery said.
“With interest in him gaining momentum from other clubs we wrapped up his signature after both parties agreed the Mariners was the best option for him.
“I am excited to see what he can do for us this year, and if he unlocks his full potential and settles in well, there is no reason as to why he cannot be one of our best players and keep his great goalscoring stats going.”
The acquisition of the former Brazilian youth international completes the Mariners’ overseas recruitment for the upcoming season with their visa spots now full.
The 23-year-old had been linked with a move to Australia over a month ago but a delay in getting approval to enter the country pushed back confirmation of the move.
Moresche will now complete his hotel quarantine on November 1 and will come into contention for the Mariners’ A-League Men season-opener against the Newcastle Jets on November 21.
“I am really looking forward to playing football in Australia,” Moresche said.
“From what I have seen the Mariners seem like a great family club and I can’t wait to get started on Monday.
“Nick is a very knowledgeable and professional coach that I am really looking forward to working with this season.”
Montgomery has been busy in the transfer market since taking charge at the Mariners, also bringing in French winger Beni N’Kololo, Japanese youth international Cy Goddard and former Western Sydney Wanderers import Nicolai Muller.
