FC Goa further strengthened their squad after making the signing of Spanish midfielder Victor Rodriguez on a one-year deal, the club announced on Thursday. 

The 33-year-old becomes the club’s ninth acquisition this summer and a fourth overseas signing. The Gaurs have reinforced their squad after appointing Manolo Marquez as the head coach and will be looking to end a two-year drought from the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) playoffs. 

“I’m excited about what’s in store here at FC Goa. I’ve only heard good things about the club and the structure that they follow, and I’m looking to continue enjoying playing football in a nice atmosphere,” he said after signing on the dotted line.

“I can’t wait to start working with Manolo Marquez, our coach. We’ve worked together before, and I know all about his contributions to football in India and Spain. I hope I can return that trust that he has given me,” the footballer added.

Rodriguez was a key member of the Odisha FC side that reached the playoffs for the first time in their history last season and delivered some of his best performances in the club’s Hero Super Cup win.

Highlanders sign defender Michel Zabaco

NorthEast United FC have added experienced Spanish defender Michel Zabaco to their ranks, the club announced on Thursday.

The 34-year-old who has spent all his life in Spain playing in the second and third tier of the country and will bring a lot of experience to the NorthEast United FC squad. 

An Atletico Madrid youth product, Zabago went on to play for the club’s B and C teams and later featured for Almeria in his career. 

"I have heard good things about the country, the Hero ISL, and about its great players, stadiums, and coaches. I am very excited because I firmly believe in the ambitious project at NorthEast United FC, led by the new management and coaching staff. With all the elements combined, I believe it will be a remarkable season for all of us,” he said after signing for the club. 

Imran Khan joins Jamshedpur FC 

Imran made 37 appearances for the Highlanders in the Hero ISL, scoring twice and providing four assists during his time at the club.  

The 28-year-old is a versatile player capable of operating across midfield and has been successfully utilised on the wings as well as in attacking midfield in recent seasons. 

"Joining Jamshedpur FC is a big moment for me in my career,” Imran said. 

“I have learnt a lot at my previous clubs and feel like I am ready to help Jamshedpur once again win trophies. The city has a history of producing some great Indian players over the years, and I'm confident that this is the right step for me in my progression. I'm excited to finally play in front of the amazing fans and show them what I am capable of." 

Imran was born in Manipur and began his professional playing career at Mohammedan Sporting Club in the I-League and made a move to the Hero ISL in 2018 with FC Goa. Following loan stints at Gokulam Kerala and Mohun Bagan, Imran joined NEROCA FC in the I-League in 2020, before returning to the Hero ISL with NorthEast United FC. 

Ayush Adhikari leaves Kerala Blasters FC, Isak Ralte extends Odisha FC stay

Kerala Blasters FC have bid goodbye to midfielder Ayush Adhikari who has left the club after three seasons with the Kochi outfit, the club confirmed on Thursday. 

“The Club has reached an agreement for the transfer of Ayush Adhikari. We thank the young midfielder for the time that he spent with us and wish him the very best in the next chapter,” the club said in a statement. 

The 22-year-old made 25 appearances for the Blasters during his three-year period with the club. 

Odisha FC have secured the services of 22-year-old winger Isak Ralte who has signed a new three-year contract with the club. 

Isak highly impressed last season scoring twice and assisting as many times in the ten matches he played for the side in the Hero ISL.

"Odisha is now like my second home, and I am extremely happy to have extended my contract with the Kalinga Warriors. Everyone at the club has been supportive through my ups and downs, making this an easy choice,” he said after signing the new contract.

Related tags:

Kerala Blasters FCVictor RodriguezOdisha FCJamshedpur FCFC GoaNorthEast United FC Isak VanlalruatfelaAyush AdhikariImran Khan