Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC recently announced the arrival of playmaker Hugo Boumous on a three-year deal. Boumous is set to reunite with head coach Sergio Lobera at his fourth club on Indian soil.

One of the finest foreigners to feature in the league, Boumous has represented FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the past. The midfielder has clinched all possible trophies he has played in, including the ISL Cup, League Shield, Durand Cup, and Super Cup.

With that, let’s shed light on Boumous’ illustrious career in the ISL and anticipate how impactful he could be for Odisha FC in the upcoming season.

FC Goa, the place where it all started

Boumous began his ISL journey with FC Goa during the 2017-18 season, featuring in just eight games and playing a total of 448 minutes on the pitch. Despite limited playing time, his impact was profound with two goals and as many assists.

His involvement increased significantly the following season, becoming one of the club’s top goal contributors as FC Goa narrowly missed out on the ISL Cup, finishing as runners-up. Boumous ended the season with an impressive tally of 11 goals and nine assists, earning him the prestigious Player of the League accolade for the ISL 2019–20 season. He played a pivotal role in FC Goa’s League Shield triumph that same season.

Reunion with Lobera at Mumbai City FC

After a successful stint with FC Goa, Boumous followed in the footsteps of Lobera by joining Mumbai City FC, reuniting with former teammates such as Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall, among others.

In his first and only season with the Islanders, Boumous delivered stellar performances, guiding Mumbai City FC to League Shield glory and Cup victory in the same season. In the 2020–21 ISL season, Boumous notched 10 goal contributions with seven assists and three goals.

A new chapter at Mohun Bagan SG

Boumous later switched to Kolkata in 2021, signing for Mohun Bagan SG on a multi-year deal. He emerged as a key attacker for them, leading them to the playoffs with five goals and as many assists in 17 appearances. However, despite his contributions, they lost to Hyderabad FC in the semi-final.

In the following season, Boumous guided Mohun Bagan SG to their first-ever ISL Cup win. The midfielder made nine goal contributions (five goals and four assists) and created 45 chances (the second highest by a Mohun Bagan SG player). However, he faced challenges in the subsequent season, managing just one goal in eight appearances during the first half of the campaign and subsequently not featuring for the remainder of the season.

What does he bring to Odisha FC?

With Sergio Lobera focused on constructing Odisha FC's core group to push them closer to an ISL triumph, the addition of Hugo Boumous is poised to play a pivotal role in the upcoming season. The 28-year-old midfielder, reuniting with former teammates Fall and Jahouh from previous clubs, brings a deep understanding of Lobera’s playing style accumulated over the years.

Boumous has left an indelible mark since his league debut, celebrated for his adept skills and innate ability to influence matches. Renowned as a versatile, dual-footed creative force, he excels in delivering defence-splitting passes, navigating tight spaces with keen vision, and outmanoeuvring defenders. His proficiency extends to orchestrating transitions from defence to attack and posing threats from dead-ball situations, making him a cornerstone for the teams he has featured for in the past.

Odisha FC already boasts a formidable roster featuring defensive stalwarts like Carlos Delgado and Fall, attacking talents such as Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio, alongside fine midfielders in Ahmed Jahouh and Puitea. Boumous’ arrival brings a new dynamic into Lobera’s side, enhancing the team's fluidity and creative potential. His ability to seamlessly operate in multiple positions will further bolster Odisha FC’s tactical flexibility.

Joining a club that is making great strides every season, Boumous will be keen to reinforce his reputation as one of the league's most consistent performers and hit the ground running for Odisha FC.