Gwangju FC pleased with return of Brazilian forward Reis | OneFootball

Gwangju FC are pleased with the return of Reis, who's bright personality and leadership skills are proving to be a hit with the rest of the squad, not to mention manager Lee Jung-hyo who admits that he wanted to bring the Brazilian back to the club.

The Griffins strengthened their squad ahead of the new season by re-signing Brazilian forward Reis from Jeju SK. A familiar face, Reis made his K League debut with the club in 2021 and was instrumental in their K League 2 title-winning campaign in 2022, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists.

Reis returns aiming to replicate past glories. and is currently settling back in during Gwangju’s winter training camp in Koh Samui, Thailand.

Despite his two-year absence, Reis has slotted back into the team with ease. Key figures from their previous success, including manager Lee Jung-hyo and veterans Ahn Young-kyu and Lee Min-ki, remain pivotal members of the squad. Known for his adaptability, Reis’s lively personality has helped him quickly become a key dressing room presence, blending seamlessly as if he never left.

Now in his fifth season in the K League, Reis is well-versed in Korean culture and communicates with teammates in basic Korean. He’s even developed a taste for local cuisine, always ensuring a side of spicy peppers during meals, which he describes as “delicious.” He also enjoys kimchi stew with rice, further endearing himself to his Korean teammates.

Reis’s vibrant character and leadership have brightened the team’s atmosphere. Notably, his arrival has fostered strong chemistry among the foreign players, with Reis acting as a central figure in their camaraderie.

Manager Lee Jung-hyo is thrilled with the anticipated ‘Reis Effect.’ Not only is Reis a proven talent, but his influence on and off the pitch has created a positive synergy within the squad.

This season, Gwangju will need to manage a tight schedule, balancing their domestic campaign with their AFC Champions League (ACL) commitments. Rotation will be key, and if both Reis and Jasir Asani—who scored seven ACL goals—can maintain their clinical form, it will significantly bolster Lee’s plans for the season.

“I’ve had my eye on Reis since last year,” Manager Lee admitted. “He’s a natural leader and a good communicator, so I knew he would guide the foreign players well. Asani and Bruno Oliveira seem more relaxed and happy with him around. Technically, Reis is a very reliable player, and the rest of the team appreciates that.”

Choi Hyuk-soon, Gwangju’s interpreter for foreign players, is equally enthusiastic about Reis’s return. “Having such an outgoing player has even made Asnani more extroverted. It’s only been two weeks, but the two of them have become very close. I think Reis’s presence will have a synergistic effect on the foreign players. As a senior in terms of age, the others naturally follow his lead. The way he enjoys Korean food, like peppers and kimchi, has even had a positive influence on the domestic players. There are so many benefits to having him around.”

Reis, now tasked with spearheading Gwangju’s attack alongside Asnani, is equally optimistic. “Asnani is an excellent player, a great national team player, and he brings fantastic energy to the squad. We even go out to eat together sometimes. I’m happy to work with such a quality teammate,” he said.

Reis added, “I’m really pleased to be back with my teammates and at Gwangju. While it’s a familiar team, there are new players, so I need a bit of time to adjust. I’m looking forward to continuing my story here and will do my best to show my quality this season.”