Odisha FC continued their shopping spree in the summer transfer window as they acquired midfielder Raynier Fernandes on a season-long loan from Mumbai City FC, the club announced on Sunday.

Fernandes is Odisha FC’s sixth import this summer as the club look to rebuild under head coach Josep Gombau.

“We are very happy that Raynier has decided to join us this season. The club would like to welcome him and wish him the best for the upcoming season,” the club statement on its official website read.

Fernandes made 76 appearances for the Islanders and played an important part in Mumbai City FC’s Hero Indian Super League (ISL) triumph in 2020-21. The 26-year-old also has featured five times for the Indian national team.

The Mumbai-born midfielder can play in different roles across the midfield and will give Gombau the flexibility in that area of the pitch. Fernandes’ skill set means he is likely to fit into the Spaniard’s possession-based style of play.

The midfielder began his football career with Air India before representing Maharashtra in the Santosh Trophy. His breakthrough season came in 2017-18 with Mohun Bagan AC.

He then returned to Mumbai with the Islanders and established himself among the more talented midfielders in India.

Under Gombau, Fernandes would look to take the next step in his career and get back in the mix for a place in the Indian team as the AFC Asian Cup approaches. At Odisha FC, that have had a reputation for grooming Indian players, the 26-year-old would believe he is in the right place to further grow as a footballer.

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