NEW DELHI: Bengaluru FC, the former champions of the Indian Super League, made an announcement on Tuesday regarding the signing of English striker Curtis Main on a one-year deal.
Main, who previously played for St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership, joins Bengaluru FC for the upcoming season.
Main started his youth career at Sunderland AFC and honed his skills in the Darlington FC Academy. His signing is expected to bolster Bengaluru FC's attacking options and contribute to their quest for success in the Indian Super League.
"I had a few conversations with the manager and I really liked how they went. He has a great reputation and has thus far done an excellent job at the club and hopefully I can come in and build on the success," said Main, after the completion of formalities on his deal.
Main, hailing from South Shields, achieved the distinction of becoming the youngest player to represent Darlington when he made a substitute appearance in a League Two match against Peterborough at the tender age of 15 years and 318 days.
Following his stint at Darlington, Main embarked on a professional journey that included spells at Middlesbrough, Doncaster Rovers, and Portsmouth.
While at Fratton Park, Main contributed five goals, playing a crucial role in Portsmouth's promotion to League One during his debut season.
In 2018, Main made a move to Scotland, joining Motherwell to continue his football career.
His experience in Scottish football includes his most recent stint at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership before securing a one-year deal with Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League.
"He did very well last year for St Mirren and is a whole-hearted striker who works extremely hard for his team, has good hold-up play and will be a valuable asset," said Blues' head Coach Simon Grayson.
"He was desperate to come to India, despite having the opportunity to sign longer contracts in the UK as he wanted a new challenge."
After signing for Aberdeen in 2019, Main spent two seasons with the Dons before moving back to England with Shrewsbury Town in 2020.
A return to Scotland with St Mirren in 2021 saw the frontman score 14 goals across two seasons for the Buddies, before a first move abroad with Bengaluru culminated.
Main is Bengaluru's second foreign signing of the window, with the Blues announcing the arrival of Montenegrin centre-back Slavko Damjanovic earlier.
(With PTI inputs)
