Hyderabad FC sign Australian winger Joe Knowles; Redeem Tlang rejoins NorthEast United FC
Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC completed the signing of Australian attacker Joe Knowles, the club announced on Saturday. The 27-year-old represented Brisbane Roar in the A-League last season, and joins as the second new foreign overseas player for the Yellow and Black ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.


Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side Hyderabad FC completed the signing of Australian attacker Joe Knowles, the club announced on Saturday. The 27-year-old represented Brisbane Roar in the A-League last season, and joins as the second new foreign overseas player for the Yellow and Black ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
✨️ Coming to 🇮🇳, with tons of Horsepower from 🇦🇺, here comes our Race Horse, Joe Knowles 🏇
— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) July 15, 2023
ఆస్ట్రేలియా to మన ఏరియా, జో is here 💥 💨 🚀#WelcomeJoe #WeAreHFC #మనహైదరాబాద్ #HyderabadFC 💛🖤 pic.twitter.com/Oeud8zzQO1
“It is a great honor to sign for this club,” said Knowles, after completing the formalities.
“Hyderabad FC have done unbelievably well in the four years as a club and I look forward to being a part of the history here, going forward,” he added.
Having started his career with Perth Glory in his home town, Knowles is regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the A-League, where he climbed up through the system. Knowles is best known for his heroics in helping Oakleigh Cannons to their maiden National Premier League Championship in 2022, scoring 21 goals in two seasons with the club. He was named the join-best player of the tournament and managed to step up to the top-flight with Brisbane Roar.
The 27-year-old put on a show, scoring against the then-Premier League side Leeds United, on trials with the Roar and cemented his place in the team last season.
Speaking to the HFC faithful after the move, Knowles said, “I am really looking forward to playing in front of all the Hyderabad fans and they can expect a fast direct attacking player that will do anything for his team to be successful.”
A versatile attacker who can play across the front line, Knowles is a tough player to hold in defense. He is a strong dribbler, can score from long range and registered three assists and a goal, in 21 appearances in his debut top-flight season in Australia. He is all set to make his Hero ISL debut with Hyderabad FC in the 2023-24 campaign.
Winger Redeem Tlang returns to NorthEast United FC
NorthEast United FC on Saturday also confirmed that winger Redeem Tlang has rejoined the club, with the 28-year-old winger signing a two-year contract. Redeem first donned the NorthEast United FC jersey in 2014 and made his Hero ISL debut in 2014, appearing as a substitute at the age of 19.
He's back home 🏚️🫶@RedeemTlang ❤️🤍🖤#TimeToRedeem #NEUFC #StrongerAsOne #8States1United @IndSuperLeague pic.twitter.com/RWZ4E1VZ9Z
— NorthEast United FC (@NEUtdFC) July 15, 2023
However, it only was during the 2018-19 season that the dynamic winger rose to prominence. He played a pivotal role in propelling the Highlanders into the knockout stages of the competition for the first time. In that season, he also scored his maiden goal for the side during the club's historic journey into the semi-finals.
In the following season, Redeem continued to excel, scoring three more goals, including the club's fastest goal at that time. Ahead of the 2020-21 season, the Meghalaya-born star joined FC Goa & also had a loan stint with Odisha FC during the 2021-22 season.
With over 70 Hero ISL appearances under his belt, Redeem now returns to Guwahati with renewed vigour.
"Being from the Northeast region and coming back to your home is always special. I had mentioned while leaving the club in 2020 that NorthEast United FC will always have a special place in my heart. And now I am back to the place which gave me a chance to start my Hero ISL career," Redeem stated.
"I feel like I was never away from the club. I am eagerly waiting to start this journey, again, together giving my everything for the club and for the fans," he added.
NorthEast United FC head coach Juan Pedro Benali said: "We are delighted to have Redeem back with us. His familiarity with the region and his past contributions makes him a valuable addition to the squad. Redeem's speed, skill, and versatility will provide us with a much-needed attacking impetus. We believe he will also have a positive impact on our team dynamics."
Meanwhile, club CEO Mandar Tamhane shed light on why Redeem's re-signing is a step in the right direction.
"We are thrilled to welcome Redeem back to NorthEast United FC. His return adds great value to our squad, both on and off the pitch. Redeem brings a deep understanding of the region and a connection with our passionate fanbase. We’re certain that his quality and experience will enhance our team's performance and contribute to our pursuit of success," said Tamhane.
Bengaluru FC part ways with Sharon Padattil and Harmanpreet Singh
Bengaluru FC, on Friday, announced the release of two first team players, goalkeeper Sharon Paddatil and forward Harmanpreet Singh. The duo were recently part of BFC’s Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) triumph and also represented the club in the PL Next Gen Cup.
The BFC family wishes winger Harmanpreet Singh and goalkeeper Sharon Padattil the best for what lies in wait, as they embark on new adventures. Good luck, lads! 🔵 #WeAreBFC pic.twitter.com/PR5x35rbG2
— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) July 14, 2023
Padattil joined Bengaluru FC’s reserve team in 2019 and worked his way up to the first team. He is yet to make his Hero ISL debut but has been part of the BFC first team squad for the past two Hero ISL seasons.
Meanwhile, Harmanpreet joined Bengaluru FC ahead of the 2021-22 season. The forward, who has also played for East Bengal FC, missed the 2021-22 season through and injury and featured in just one Hero ISL game the following season.