A-League: Leo Natel joins Melbourne City on loan

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Melbourne City has signed Brazilian winger Leo Natel on loan from Corinthians for the upcoming A-League season to cover for the long-term loss of Socceroo Andrew Nabbout.

Natel, 26, has joined City on an injury-replacement deal after Nabbout suffered a serious Achilles tendon injury during a behind-closed-doors match last week.

Nabbout will miss City’s entire 2023-24 campaign, leading to City acting quickly to secure the services of Natel.

“Leo will provide us with an ideal replacement for Andy,” Melbourne City director of football Michael Petrillo said.

“He brings direct pace, strength, has technical qualities … and can press very well.

“He can play on either the right or the left … and also has had previous experience playing as a striker, further adding to our depth in the front third.”

Natel said he was “really excited” to be joining City.

“There has been lots of success at this club in recent years, so I can’t wait to be a part of that environment and hope to help the team win more silverware this season,” Natel said.

“I’m looking forward to getting on the pitch and meeting the fans at our first game in Melbourne.”

City, who beat Metro Stars 2-1 on Thursday to reach the Australia Cup semi-finals, host Japanese club Ventforet Kofu in an AFC Champions League clash at AAMI Park on Wednesday night.

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