Transfers: Daejeon Hana Citizen Sign Bruno Baio

Daejeon Hana Citizen have secured the signing of striker Bruno Baio from fellow K League 2 side Jeonnam Dragons. 

Bankrolled by the Hana Financial Group under the stewardship of new manager Hwang Sunhong, K League 2 promotion hopefuls Daejeon Hana Citizen have swooped for the Brazilian on a free transfer as the club look to make a long-awaited return to the top division.

Full name Bruno Henrique Baio Da Cunha, "Baio" made an instant impact at Dragon Dungeon last term, scoring 10 goals in 16 appearances after joining in the summer transfer window as caretaker manager Jeon Kyungjun spearheaded a late Dragons playoff push following a sluggish start under Fabiano Soares.

Such form caught the eye of Daejeon manager Hwang Sunhong who moved quick to secure the 24 year-old’s services and add some much-needed extra firepower to the Purples front line.

[READ: 'Promotion to K League 1 is the Target', Hwang Sunhong]

Cosmopolis-born striker Baio began his career with Internacional in his native Brazil and has had spells with Boa Esporte, Criciúma EC before moving Jeonnam from Votuporanguense in the summer of last year.

Ironically, Baio made his Dragons bow against Daejeon in a 2-0 Jeonnam win last July and eventually found the net in his fifth game in a yellow shirt, scoring in Jeonnam’s 2-0 win over Asan Mugunghwa.

Baio then scored in his next three Jeonnam appearances and finished as the side’s top scorer with ten goals in just 13 starts. 

Speaking on his move to Purple Arena, Baio said: “I see this as a new challenge, that's why I decided to join Daejeon Hana Citizen. The club's vision of becoming global brand was very attractive and I want to be a player who can live up to fans' expectations."

[READ: Daejeon Hana Citizen Sign Corinthians Winger André Luis]