NorthEast United FC signs Europa League-winner Jairo Samperio

NorthEast United FC has agreed on a deal with Spanish winger Jairo Samperio, who will join the club on a free transfer.

Samperio is likely to replace Nestor Albiach at the Highlanders camp, who left the club after spending two seasons there.

The winger is the fourth signing for the Durand Cup champion, which had previously acquired the services of Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Chema Núñez and Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga for the upcoming season.

ALSO READ: Identity crisis of ISL — How Indian football’s grand carnival is losing its spark

Born in Cabezón de la Sal, Spain, Samperio spent his initial years at the Racing de Santander youth academy and honed his talent under Hector Cuper, whose last assignment was being Syria’s coach at the AFC Asian Cup last year.

Samperio’s best spell in club football came under current Aston Villa manager Unai Emery at Sevilla, under whom he won the Europa League in 2014. He has also played for Spain at the youth level, featuring in the under-20 side previously.

The player was released by Spanish fourth-division side Sestao River Club last month and has been without a club since.