Adam Le Fondre has completed his move to Mumbai City while bringing an end to speculation linking the veteran striker with League One promotion-chasers Sunderland, speaking to the ISL’s official website.
The journeyman forward is certainly in the midst of an Indian summer.
After a career that has taken him from Reading to Rotherham, Stockport to Sydney, Le Fondre is now embarking on a new adventure – on a new continent to boot.
The Mail had suggested that Sunderland were interested in reuniting Le Fondre with his former manager Phil Parkinson, three years after they secured promotion out of the third tier together at Bolton Wanderers.
But the 33-year-old will instead be looking to follow in the gilded footsteps of David Trezeguet, Dimitar Berbatov, Nicolas Anelka and co in South Asia
“This is a new adventure in my footballing journey. The ISL is one of the fastest-growing divisions in the world right now and Mumbai City has the vision and the ambition to be a leading club not only in India, but in Asia,” said Le Fondre, who scored 41 times in 60 games during a very successful spell at Sydney FC.
Mumbai FC coach Sergio Lobera, meanwhile, is understandably thrilled with the arrival of a penalty box poacher at the peak of his powers.
“The experience, leadership and the mentality Adam brings to Mumbai City is unmatched. He is a proven goal-scorer and he has been excellent wherever he has played, be it in England or in Australia,” Lobera said.
“Adam is the kind of player any coach would want on his side. We believe he can have a huge impact on our season and more importantly, can be a great mentor and a role-model to our youngsters.”
Sunderland have been far from clinical in front of goal so far this season; notching just six times in five games.
Then again, when your defence is as miserly as Parkinson’s at present, you don’t need to score for fun at the other end. A professional 2-0 win at Swindon Town on Saturday means unbeaten Sunderland have picked up 11 points from a possible 15.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
