Panaji: Dempo SC have announced the signing of Brazilian striker Cledson Carvalho da Silva ahead of the new Indian Football League (IFL) season which commences on Oct 30.Popularly known as De, the 28-year-old centre-forward will boost Dempo’s attack after the departure of Trinidad and Tobago striker Marcus Joseph and Colombian attacking midfielder Sebastian Gutierrez.Marcus played a vital role for Dempo in the last two seasons, where they finished mid-table. He was the club’s top scorer in the IFL with nine goals last season and has now moved to Real Kashmir FC. Sebastian rejoined Churchill Brothers FC, who will be making their Indian Super League (ISL) debut.Cledson, known for his physical presence as a target man, comes with experience in Indian football, having played for Namdhari FC. He arrived in India from Finnish club IFK Mariehamn in 2024.The Brazilian did well for Namdhari last season with 12 goals and four assists in 19 matches.Dempo are also understood to be close to signing Ghanaian stopper-back Asonaning Budu. Ghanaian striker Richmond Owusu stays for another season with the former five-time national league champions.Amongst the domestic signings, Dempo have welcomed back Ayan Bhattacharya. The goalkeeper had earlier represented Dempo before joining Banaras Bhagpat.Athul Unnikrishnan has moved from Gokulam Kerala.“Dempo is trying to make the right signings and build a strong team. We are still looking for foreigners and Indian players,” said one official.A total of 11 teams will take part in the IFL this season. Clubs are allowed to field a maximum of three foreign players at a time, instead of four previously allowed.IFL will also returns to a full-fledged home-and-away format with Dempo being the only representative from Goa in the second tier of Indian football. FC Goa and Churchill Bros are in the top tier ISL.
