Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC, on Friday, announced that they have parted company with forward Nandhakumar Sekar. Sekar has been part of the side since their inception in 2019 and leaves the club after four seasons.

Sekar has featured in 59 Hero ISL matches for Odisha FC during the past four seasons, scoring seven goals and supplying five assists. He was a vital part of the side in the Hero ISL 2022-23 season, netting seven goals and tallying an assist, which was his best-ever season in terms of goal contributions. The Chennai-born winger also continued his sublime form in the Hero Super Cup, finding the back on four occasions as Odisha lifted the Hero Super Cup, which was the first silverware for the club.

Sekar was rewarded for his fine performances with a call up to the Indian national team. The 27-year-old has been named in the 27-member squad by India head coach Igor Stimac for the Hero Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championships.

Jorge Diaz signs contract extension with Mumbai City FC until 2024

Mumbai City FC, on Friday, revealed that Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz has signed a new one-year contract, extending his stay with the Hero ISL club until the end of the 2023-24 season.

The 32-year-old marksman was instrumental in Mumbai City FC's highly successful season, as the Islanders’ secured the Hero ISL Winners' Shield in the 2022-23 campaign. Diaz emerged as a key figure leading Mumbai City FC’s lethal offence, scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists across all competitions. The Argentine finished with the third highest goal contributions for the Islanders, along with Greg Stewart and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz said: “My journey at this club has been nothing short of amazing. We have achieved great performances as a team and the unity on the field has been exceptional. I take pride in what I have been able to contribute to the team's success last season, and I am eagerly anticipating another incredible season ahead. Coach Des Buckingham's vision for the team aligns perfectly with the players, including myself. Everybody here at Mumbai City FC share the same direction and we are all dedicated to achieving success together for our fans and for the Mumbai City family.”

Diaz becomes the third Mumbai City FC player to extend his contract with the club this summer after defender Rostyn Griffiths and midfielder Alberto Noguera.

“It gives us great pleasure to have Jorge with us for another season. His ability to score goals but more importantly link so well with those around him played a big part in our attacking play last season. His awareness and unselfish play with the ball combined with his work rate and understanding without the ball make him an exciting player to regain as we plan for next season. I am looking forward to continuing to work with him further as we look to build and enhance our overall play,” said head coach Des Buckingham.

Diaz began his career back home in Argentina with Club Ferro before moving to Club Atlético Lanús. The forward has represented clubs like Johor Darul Ta’zim (Malaysia), Club Atlético Indipendiente & Club León (Argentina), Club Bolivar (Bolivia) and San Marcos (Chile). The 32-year old turned out for Club Atlético Platense where he was loaned out to fellow Hero ISL side Kerala Blasters before joining Mumbai City FC in August 2022.

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Odisha FC2022-2023Mumbai City FC Nandhakumar SekarJorge Pereyra Diaz