Payne part of A League Championship winning side Sydney FC in 2009-10
Kolkata: Within 24 hours of releasing Kyrgyzstan international Ildar Amirov, East Bengal has confirmed the signing of Australian striker Christopher Payne. 26 year old Payne has an impressive profile. The Aussie will join the Red and Golds in a week’s time as he is awaiting his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). The Aussie footballer is awaiting for his visa. According to sources in the club, Payne will be joining the squad before the I League derby on February 12.
Christopher last plied his trade in New South Wales Premier League with Sydney United 58 wherein he scored 22 goals in 24 matches in 2015-16 season. The 5 ft 10 inches tall striker has also played for A League clubs Sydney FC (2007-10), North Queensland Fury (2010-11) and Newcastle Jets (2011-12).
Payne was a part of the Australian A League side Sydney FC which won the Premiership title in 2009-10 season. He was also a part of the A League Championship winning side in the same season.
Payne has also won the Waratah Cup in 2016 with Sydney United. He started his youth career with Sydney FC in 2008-09 season before moving to Newcastle United in 2011-12. He was part of the Australian U’20 side in 2009. He also played for the U’23 national team in 2010.
Christopher will be replacing Ildar Amirov who was unimpressive. The Kyrgyz striker was released on Tuesday by the club.
Payne will be the fourth foreigner for the club. The Australian will be in the Asian quota. The other three foreigners are Willis Plaza, Wedson Anselme and Ivan Bukenya.
“His (Christopher) contract has been done. We have applied for his visa,” a club official told xtratime.in.
East Bengal are currently on top of the I-League table with 13 points from five matches. They have won four matches in a row.