SC East Bengal have acquired the services of centre-back Joyner Lourenco on a one-year deal which will keep him at the club till the end of the 2021/22 season, it was announced on Friday.

Lourenco, 29, is joining SC East Bengal from fellow Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) side Jamshedpur FC where he played five matches last season.

“It is always a proud feeling to play for a big club like SC East Bengal. It is a hundred-year-old club and has a rich history. The fans are so passionate and that adds to the charm. It is a big challenge for me, and one that I am looking forward to,” Lourenco said after putting pen to paper for the Red and Gold Brigade.

“I can’t wait to put on the red and gold shirt and take the field. I am ready to give my best in training every day and learn so much from Robbie Fowler [head coach]. He is such a legend and his guidance will only help me get better as a footballer on and off the field,” said the Goa-born player.

Lourenco began his career with local club Goa Velha before joining I-League side Sporting Clube de Goa in 2010. He spent the 2017-18 Hero ISL season with Bengaluru FC and was roped in by Mumbai City FC the following term. Lourenco had a fruitful campaign with the current Hero ISL champions and played 10 matches during their run to the semi-finals. With Jamshedpur FC in the 2019-20 season, Lourenco played 10 matches and bagged one assist.

SC East Bengal, coached by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, took part in their maiden Hero ISL campaign last time and finished in ninth place.