Central Coast Mariners have added strength in depth to their central defensive stocks with the signature of Nigerian U23 international Kelechi John.
The 23-year-old who stands at 191cm arrives in Gosford after six years in Portugual; in 2016 he joined Rio Ave FC’s youth team, before signing for Casa Pia AC in 2019/20, where he played 63 games and helped earn promotion to the Portuguese top flight for the first time in the club’s history.
John becomes Central Coast’s sixth signing of the off-season after Thomas Aquilina, Michael Ruhs, Samuel Silvera, Paul Ayongo, and Nectarios Triantis. With the off-season departure of Ruon Tongyik and Kye Rowles, John will add much needed reinforcement to Nick Montgomery’s side at centre-back.
“Kelechi is a fast, powerful central defender who we tracked for a while through our scouting network and knowledge of the Portuguese league. Whilst he had offers from other clubs in Portugal and across Europe, we were able to convince him to join the Mariners,” Montgomery said.
“He has big ambitions and we hope to help him develop into a top player who can reach his potential. While still young, he will bring great experience to the squad as well as competition for places in defence.”
