HCMC FC signs new Brazilian forward

Barros used to play for several clubs in Brazil before moving to J1 League and signing with Kofu in 2017. After Kofu dropped to J2 League in 2018, he continued to play there until his contract with the club expired in February this year. During his spell at Kofu, he scored 17 goals. Only a short time later, Barros joined HCMC as a free agent. He is valued by German football site Transfermarkt at €300,000 ($364,555).

Junior Barros in a HCMC FC jersey. Photo courtesy of HCMC FC.

The 27-year-old, 1.83-meter-tall forward is expected to form a Brazilian attack trio with HCMC’s previous new signings, Joao Paulo and Dário.

The arrival of Barros means HCMC would have to exclude one foreign player from the squad as V. League only allows each club to register a maximum three foreigners. Accordingly, Senegalese Papé Diakité will not appear for HCMC during the first leg of V. League 2021. However, HCMC will keep him at the club as a back-up for the second leg, in case another foreign player in the squad loses form.

HCMC showed great ambition this season by setting the goal of becoming V. League champions. The Red Battle Ship, who finished fifth last season, have made major moves by signing Brazilian coach Alexander Polking from Thai League, three new Brazilian forwards and Vietnamese-American midfielder Lee Nguyen from the U.S.