Hero Indian Super League (ISL) side Odisha FC completed the signing of Fijian striker Roy Krishna on a one-year contract, as announced by the club on Saturday.

The 35-year-old comes with immense experience playing in the top flight of Indian football. He is currently the fourth-highest goalscorer in the Hero ISL, with 42 goals in 82 games. He has also registered 23 assists so far.

The Fijian International striker, fresh off his victorious Durand Cup campaign last season with Bengaluru FC, brings his immense talent and wealth of experience to the Odisha FC frontline and will play alongside Hero ISL 2022-23 Golden Boot Winner, Diego Mauricio.

Roy Krishna's arrival at Odisha FC injects a dose of star power and a winning mentality into the team. His presence alone can elevate the squad's morale, inspiring his teammates to raise their game. The Fijian's understanding of the Hero ISL's dynamics and his goal-scoring prowess can make the difference between a good season and a great one for Odisha FC.

With Roy Krishna leading the line alongside Diego Mauricio, Odisha FC's attack becomes significantly more potent. His ability to create opportunities out of nothing and clinical finishing will put immense pressure on opposing defences.

Serbian midfielder Alen Stevanovic joins Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC, on Monday, also announced the signing of Serbian midfielder Alen Stevanovic on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old playmaker has enjoyed a glittering career so far, starting out with the Inter Milan youth team in Italy, and being handed his debut in the senior team by current AS Roma Head Coach, Jose Mourinho.

Stevanovic was a part of the Inter squad that won the treble in 2009-10 under Mourinho, with the club lifting the Serie A Scudetto, Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League winners' trophies. A successful spell in Italian football with the likes of Torino FC, Palermo, SSC Bari and Spezia.

“It’s an honour to be a part of Jamshedpur FC. I have heard a lot about the club and its fans and I’m excited to finally come to the city and play,” Alen Stevanovic said on joining the Men of Steel.

“The club were the previous ISL Shield Winner, and I genuinely believe that with the support from fans and the right attitude and approach, we will be able to get back to the top once again. I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and with my experience and the team’s overall quality, I’m sure we can get the club back to where it belongs.”

A perennial winner, Alen lifted the Serie B crown at Palermo and enjoyed Serbian Super Liga (2016-17) and Serbian Cup (2015-16, 2016-17) triumphs at Partizan Belgrade and has also represented the Serbian National Team on multiple occasions at the World Cup Qualifiers. Most recently, he led FK IMT to the Serbian First League trophy in the 2022-23 season.

Known for his silky touch and ability to see passes that others would miss, Stevanovic has all the qualities needed to bring more goals to the Jamshedpur FC tally.

“Alen is a phenomenal signing for Jamshedpur FC,” said our Head Coach, Scott Cooper.

“He was wanted by clubs across Europe and Asia and at only 32 years of age this is an incredible signing for us which came down to our close relationship with Serbia of both our Assistant Coach and me.

“Alen will bring a massive amount of quality and experience to our team. While he has such a prestigious background, he is also a very humble person and a top professional. We are delighted that Alen chose Jamshedpur as his first Asian club, and our fans will really enjoy his qualities and desire to win,” added Cooper.

NorthEast United FC rope in left-back Buanthanglun Samte

Hero ISL side NorthEast United FC acquired the services of talented left-back Buanthanglun 'Bun' Samte on a three-year contract, the club announced through their social media handles on Monday.

Samte showcased his skills in the Hero I-League over the past two seasons, is now set to embrace the challenges of the Hero ISL for the first time. His football journey began in his home state at the BMSC Academy in Manipur.

He then made significant progress with the reserve teams of Pune FC, FC Pune City, and ATK, before making a breakthrough and establishing himself as a regular starter at TRAU FC in 2021. Standing at 5'5" tall, Bun is known for his exceptional ability to deliver precise crosses.

"I feel privileged, honoured, and genuinely excited to embark on this new chapter with NorthEast United FC. Being from the Northeast, I already feel a sense of belonging. My family, along with the entire neighbourhood, has been supporting them in the Hero ISL right from its inception. I am committed to helping the club to scale new heights, gain invaluable experience, and continue developing as a player, " Bun said while expressing his enthusiasm & motivation about joining the Highlanders.

Commenting on the occasion head coach Juan Pedro Benali said, "Samte is a young player with exceptional technique. With his talent and dedication, we have full confidence that he will play a big role in our campaign. We are eager to work with him, help him realize his full potential, and are also certain that he can contribute to the club's success."

Sachin Suresh signs three-year contract extension with Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC have announced that custodian Sachin Suresh has signed a new contract, extending his stay at the club until 2026.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who marked his first team debut earlier this year in the Hero Super Cup 2023, came through the youth system of the Club. Having represented the Reserves, on several instances even as captain, in the Reliance Foundation Development League, the NextGen Cup in the UK, and the Kerala Premier League over the last few years, Sachin has impressed with his consistency, hunger, attitude, and ability.

Sachin, who has already represented India at the U-17 and U-20 levels, was already training with the senior team for the last few years in a developmental role. Sachin’s impressive performance in the Hero Super Cup 2023 is a great indication of his growth with the Club over the last few years and a testament to his commitment in showing the right attitude & patience.

Commenting on the extension, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Sachin has been with us for some time now and this extension is a reflection of his hard work, attitude, skill & temperament. I believe Sachin has the mentality it takes to perform & succeed at the most competitive levels, and one day captain this great Club. We see him as a very bright prospect and hence, the decision to back him with a long-term contract was clear. Now, he needs to keep his head down, stay humble, and keep working.”

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Kerala Blasters FCOdisha FCJamshedpur FCNorthEast United FC SACHIN A SURESHRoy Krishna