Hyderabad FC has signed Brazilian striker Allan Paulista as its second foreign recruit for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. The 25-year-old forward comes from the Chinese League One. He passed his medical in Brazil and signed the necessary paperwork to join the Nizams. The move is a boost to the squad, which is rebuilding under new ownership amid challenging transfer restrictions.
Paulista’s arrival is a major step for Hyderabad. The club is busy preparing for the upcoming season under the ownership of the BC Jindal Group. The Brazilian forward comes with valuable international experience. He is expected to bring a fresh attacking dimension to the club. His signing follows that of Japanese winger Cy Goddard. This makes Paulista the second foreign player to join the club.
Born in São Paulo, Paulista started his professional career with Real Noroeste CFC in the Brazilian regional leagues. Yet, his breakthrough came in February 2024 when he joined Chinese League One side HLJ Ice City. Paulista made 13 appearances throughout the season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. His performances in China caught the attention of several Asian clubs. Thus, he became a sought-after player during the summer transfer window.
The Nizams hope Paulista’s attacking prowess and experience can help turn the tide after a challenging few months.
Hyderabad FC’s need for a goal-scorer became evident as the club is rebuilding its squad following several transfer bans from FIFA and the All India Football Federation (AIFF). The bans restricted it from signing contracted players due to unpaid dues to former players and coaches. As a result, Hyderabad has focused on free agents and foreign players to strengthen its ranks.
Allan Paulista’s signing may add much-needed firepower, given the team’s limited resources. With a depleted squad last season and the inability to play in the 2024 Durand Cup, the club has been working to rebuild ahead of the new ISL season. Paulista and Goddard’s additions signal Hyderabad FC’s intent to bounce back.
Allan Paulista’s signing could not come at a better time for Hyderabad FC, as they look to make a statement in the ISL 2024-25 season. Currently, the team’s head coach is Thangboi Singto. The club has been training with 24 Indian players as they prepare for the season opener. Despite facing challenges in the transfer market, the Nizams are determined to field a competitive squad.
Paulista’s playing style is all about his technical skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability. It fits well with the club’s plans for a rejuvenated attack. The Brazilian striker can form a partnership with Cy Goddard. This may provide Hyderabad FC with an attacking force capable of competing with the league’s best teams.
The club is working on processing Paulista’s visa so that he can join the squad for training. As time goes by, the excitement continues to grow. Fans and analysts are eager to see how his talent will translate to Indian football. The question is: whether Paulista can reincarnate China’s success story?
