Krishna extends OFC stay; CFC sign Jitendra Singh; Cernych leaves KBFC
Odisha FC sign a new deal with their top goalscorer of the season; Jitendra Singh reunites with Owen Coyle, while Fedor Cernych bids farewell to Kerala Blasters.
Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC announced that Roy Krishna has extended his contract in a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2025.
Krishna has scored 13 goals in the league this season with three assists to his name. Krishna was instrumental in Odisha FC’s 3-2 AFC Cup comeback win against Maziya S & RC in Maldives as the striker scored the winner in the game's dying minutes.
THE KING IS GOING NOWHERE ✍🏻🔐
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) June 3, 2024
Catch all the #ISL action on @JioCinema 👉 https://t.co/DdvcflTpxE#OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame #KalingaWarriors #Roy2025 | @RoyKrishna21 pic.twitter.com/5KnT36CtGp
Speaking on the occasion, Krishna said: "I’m very pleased to extend my stay at Odisha for another year. I’ve had a great season and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in the next one. The energy and support I get from our fans on and off the pitch are unparalleled and truly fuel my passion for the game.
Playing under Coach Sergio Lobera has been a great experience for me. His vision, leadership, and commitment to excel inspire me every day. I am eager to continue learning and growing under his guidance, and I am confident that together, we will achieve great things this year."
Head Coach Sergio Lobera added: "I am happy to have a player and a professional like Roy back next season. He has helped us achieve success last year and I am sure he will help us this year as well."
Jitendra Singh pens two-year deal with Chennaiyin FC
Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC have acquired the services of defensive midfielder Jitendra Singh, marking him as the club’s first signing for the new season.
The 22-year-old hailing from Kolkata has signed a two-year contract with the Marina Machans following his stint with Jamshedpur FC. Renowned for his strong defensive capabilities and midfield versatility, Singh adds depth to the Chennaiyin squad.
𝙉𝘼𝙈𝙈𝘼 𝙈𝘼𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙉 𝙄𝙎 𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙀 🤩🙌 #AllInForChennaiyin #Jitu2026 #WelcomeJitu pic.twitter.com/4CdwJ1UEUJ
— Chennaiyin F.C. (@ChennaiyinFC) June 3, 2024
This signing highlights Chennaiyin FC’s dedication to strengthening their squad with promising talent. Singh, who played under coach Owen Coyle at Jamshedpur FC, brings valuable experience and familiarity with Coyle’s tactics.
“We were looking to add some physicality in the midfield area and having worked with Jitendra, we believed he was perfect to play that role for us. He's a hardworking and intelligent boy who will be admired by the team and fans alike,” Owen said.
Singh has made a name for himself as he was part of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was also selected to play for the Indian Arrows and made his debut against Chennai City, even registering a goal a month later.
Kerala Blasters FC bid farewell to Fedor Cernych
Kerala Blasters FC have announced the departure of Lithuania captain Fedor Cernych, bringing an end to his brief yet impactful tenure with the Blasters.
The 33-year-old forward joined from Cypriot First Division side AEL Limassol during the January transfer window. While initially taking time to acclimate to the new environment and league, Cernych swiftly found his rhythm as the season progressed towards its end.
Thank you, #FedorČernych for the unforgettable moments. All the best for what's to come! 💛⚽#ThankYouFedor #KeralaBlasters #KBFC pic.twitter.com/5NaVkGVNkZ
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) June 3, 2024
His presence became particularly notable in the absence of Adrian Luna and Dimitrios Diamantakos towards the end of the season. Throughout his time in the Indian Super League (ISL), Cernych featured in 10 matches for the Blasters, netting three goals, including a crucial strike against Odisha FC in the Playoffs, and providing one assist.