Nathan Rodrigues transitioned from being a midfielder to a defender at RFYC.
Photo Credits: The Goan
PANAJI
Mumbai City FC have signed Goan defender Nathan Rodrigues from Reliance Foundation Young Champs. The 19-year-old former Churchill Brothers player has joined the Islanders on a four-year contract until May 2027.
Nathan started his journey in Churchill Brothers' youth system and was scouted by RFYC in 2019. Once a midfielder at Churchill, Nathan transitioned into playing in defence with the help of his coaches at RFYC. A tall, left-footed defender who is comfortable on the ball, Nathan is an asset with his positive distribution, providing an outlet to build up from the back.
“It is an honour for me to sign for Mumbai City FC. It's a huge opportunity for me to arrive at a huge club and start my professional journey. I want to put my head down, learn from my teammates and continue my development under coach Des Buckingham and his staff," Nathan said after signing the contract with Mumbai City.
Meanwhile, the Islanders also roped in defensive midfielder Franklin Nazareth from RFYC. Nathan and Franklin were instrumental for RFYC in the Reliance Foundation Development League in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The duo played a crucial role in the Young Champs’ fourth-place finish in the 2023 edition and their subsequent maiden appearance at the Premier League Next Gen Cup.
Mumbai head coach Des Buckingham said, "Nathan and Franklin are two exceptional talents. We are glad we were able to secure their signature ahead of the new season, which will allow us to help them make the transition to senior football. I am looking forward to working with them in pre-season and helping them both reach their potential with us here at Mumbai City.”
