Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Chennaiyin FC have roped in exciting young midfielder Sweden Fernandes as the club’s first signing of the 2023-24 season. The club announced the signing through their social media handles on Thursday.

“I’m very happy to be here and I’m thankful to the club for giving me this opportunity to prove myself. I’m ready to give my all and I can’t wait to play in front of the Chennaiyin FC faithful,” Fernandes expressed his excitement on joining the club.

The 23-year-old from Goa joins the Marina Machans on a multi-year deal after promising performances at NEROCA FC last season while being on loan from Hyderabad FC. The midfielder registered three goals and provided a solitary assist in 15 matches for the Hero I-League outfit.

Fernandes’ signing underlines Chennaiyin FC’s commitment towards nurturing and developing young Indian talent.

The talented left-footed youngster is a popular name in the Goan football circuit having turned up for the youth teams of FC Goa, Dempo SC, and Sporting club de Goa. He also featured in three Durand Cup matches for Hyderabad FC last year.

Foreign quartet departs Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC have announced the release of four foreign players from their squad – defender Dylan Fox, midfielder Rafael Crivellaro, and forwards Harry Sawyer and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.

Thomas and Sawyer joined the club prior to the start of the 2022-23 season whereas Crivellaro and Fox joined midway through the season in the winter transfer window.

A debutant in the Hero ISL, Thomas made 21 appearances for the Men of Steel and managed to score twice across the Hero ISL and the Hero Super Cup. Under head coach Aidy Boothroyd, the 32-year-old was deployed in multiple positions right from a centre-forward to a central midfielder owing to his versatility.

Having played the majority of his footballing career in Australia, Sawyer too made his Hero ISL debut with Jamshedpur FC. The forward played 22 matches for the Men of Steel and had 10 goal contributions comprising five goals and five assists in the Hero ISL and the Hero Super Cup.

Crivellaro, meanwhile, played a decisive role in Chennaiyin FC’s incredible run-up to the final in the 2019-20 season following which he made the move to Jamshedpur FC in the middle of the 2022-23 season. The Brazilian marked his presence under Boothroyd with two goals and four assists across 13 appearances for his side in the Hero ISL and the Hero Super Cup.

Dylan Fox arrived at Jamshedpur FC after plying his trade for FC Goa in the previous season. Brought in as a reinforcement at the back, Fox didn’t feature in a single game for the Men of Steel in the 2022-23 season.

The foreign quartet join the likes of Boris Singh, Farukh Choudhary, Ishan Pandita, and Laldinliana Renthlei in the latest line of departures.

Romain Philippoteaux extends NorthEast United FC stay

NorthEast United FC have completed the contract extension of French midfielder Romain Philippoteaux, the club announced the extension through their social media handles on Thursday.

The Frenchman, who made his debut in the Hero ISL with NorthEast United FC in the 2022-23 season, had his first foray outside his country after playing 10 seasons in the first and second division of French Football. 

Primarily playing as a midfielder, Philippoteaux has the ability to play wide and play on the flanks. During his time with the Highlanders, the 26-year-old was deployed as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder as well as a left-winger.

He racked up two assists and two goals in 18 appearances for the Guwahati-based side in an underwhelming Hero ISL 2022-23 season where they finished at the bottom of the table.  

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Jamshedpur FCChennaiyin FC Rafael Schuler CrivellaroDylan Fox