Chennaiyin FC have roped in Delhi-born central midfielder Ayush Adhikari ahead of the forthcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season. 

The 22-year-old became the 11th player to have been brought on board for the Marina Machans this season. Adhikari’s arrival from Kerala Blasters FC is expected to bring strength to the midfield for Chennaiyin FC. Adhikari has scored one goal for Kerala Blasters FC in the RF Development League and an assist for Indian Arrows FC in the I-League.

“I am delighted to join Chennaiyin FC and looking forward to working under the guidance of coach Owen Coyle, who has helped with the development of many young players in the past. I hope to give a good account of myself, working hard day in and day out to help the club achieve its goal for the season ahead and make our fans proud!” Adhikari commented.

Adhikari made his professional debut as an 18-year-old for Ozone FC in the 2019-20 season and moved to Indian Arrows in the same season. After his switch to Kerala Blasters FC in 2020-21 he has made 30 appearances for the team in the ISL, Super Cup and Durand Cup.

Jamshedpur FC add steel to their defence

Jamshedpur FC have completed the signing of Wungngayam Muirang from Bengaluru FC for whom he has featured seven times in the ISL. The 24-year-old is calm on the ball and favours his left foot, a trait not usually seen in centre-backs. At Bengaluru FC, Muirang lifted the Durand Cup in 2022 and was also a part of the BFC squad that participated in the AFC Cup tournament in 2021. 

The defender was born in the hilly town of Ukhrul in Manipur and played football from a very young age, eventually turning professional and being roped in by the FC Pune City Reserves team where he played in the Second Division I-League. The Manipuri then moved on to I-League club Gokulam Kerala, where he impressed with his versatility and confidence, and finally made it to the ISL level with Bengaluru FC.

“It is an honour for me to join Jamshedpur FC. The club has produced some incredible players since its inception and the establishment of the Tata Football Academy (TFA) has given the country many amazing players over the years,” Muirang said.

“I’m confident that this is the right club for me to continue my growth as a player and I feel very happy that I’m going to represent a club as proud as Jamshedpur FC. I cannot wait to play in front of the fans at the Furnace and show them what I can do.”

Punjab FC announce extensions 

Punjab FC have announced contract extensions for three of the young stars – Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Khaimin Lhungdim and Jaskaranvir Singh. 

Defender Abhishek, midfielder Lhungdim and goalkeeper Jaskaranvir have all been handed three-year contracts that will keep the trio at the club till 2026 as Punjab FC aim to secure some of their top talents at the club for a longer period. 

The north Indian side became the first side to be promoted to the ISL and will be the 12th team competing in the league in the upcoming season.

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