With the support of fellow countryman Bobo ringing in his ears, Sydney FC's new Brazilian import Fabio Gomes is hoping to have an immediate impact on the club's A-League Men fortunes.
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Sydney unveiled Gomes's signing on a loan deal until the end of the 2023-24 season at Bondi Beach on Tuesday as Steve Corica puts the finishing touches to his squad.
Gomes is a direct replacement for prolific striker Adam Le Fondre, who left for a deal in Scotland over the off-season.
The club is nearing a deal for a Brazilian centreback to cover for the retirement of Alex Wilkinson.
At 194cm tall, Gomes is expected to prove a handful for ALM defences.
"He gives us a different dimension, he's very good in the air and he gives that extra option," Corica said.
"He scores goals with his head and that's something that will improve us from last year.
"We've taken our time to get the right players at the club, it's a difficult time to get players in and we've got the man that we wanted.
"Most of our strikers, Le Fondre and Bobo before him were successful scoring goals, we created a lot of chances last year and I'm sure if we do that Fabio will tuck them away."
Gomes has spent time in his native Brazil, the US and Japan and has 36 goals in 135 senior games.
The 26-year-old is keen to make an immediate impact at the club but Sunday's Australia Cup quarter-final against Western United may come a week too soon.
"I spoke to Bobo and he spoke a lot of good things about Australian football, the country and I hope to do a great job here," Gomes said, through an interpreter.
"I am willing to play now if the coach needs me, I was training in Brazil."
Australian Associated Press
