The current Indian Super League champions Bengaluru FC have signed 31-year-old Spanish striker Manuel Onwu on a one-year deal with an option to extend the contract by another year.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Spanish mother, Manuel Onwu was part of the youth academy at CD Tudelano (2002-2006), a club which currently competes in the Segunda División B (third tier of the Spanish league system).
After making his senior debut with the club, Onwu moved to CA Osasuna B in the third tier between the years 2007 and 2012. The period at the reserve side also included loan spells to CD Iruña and UD Alzira.
Onwu was eventually called up to the CA Osasuna senior team and made his La Liga debut in March 2012. He amassed 31 appearances in three seasons at the club and scored twice.
A spell at Lleida Esportiu in the 2015-16 season was followed by a two-year spell at Lorca FC – Onwu would help the club win promotion to the second tier – the Segunda División.
Last season, Manuel was at UCAM Murcia, a club which participates in the Segunda División B. He was the club’s highest goalscorer with 11 goals coming in 32 appearances.
The forward’s experience playing up top means he is probably lined up to replace the prolific Venezuelan forward Miku Fedor who has left the Blues after two seasons at the club.
Having spent a fair bit of time playing in Spain, I was looking for a different experience. However, I wanted to join a strong project where we fight for ambitious goals. That’s the reason I’m very excited to join Bengaluru FC.
I’ve heard a lot of good things about the club from many Spanish players in the league, and that helped me make a decision about coming here. I look forward to meeting my new teammates and hope to help the club build on their success from last season.
Manuel Onwu
Manuel comes in after a long playing career in Spain that includes playing at the very top. He will provide us with some good options in attack and we expect him to settle in easily.
Of course, he isn’t a direct replacement for Miku, because we’re talking about two very different types of players.
Manuel is a great professional, and his experiences will definitely make him a great addition to our squad.
Carles Cuadrat, Head Coach, Bengaluru FC
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