Transfer Wrap: Chennaiyin FC sign defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi; Hector Ramirez and Liridon Krasniqi leave Odisha FC and more
The two-time Hero Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC added one more player to their squad as they signed Iranian player Vafa Hakhamaneshi ahead of the 2022-2023 season. The announcement was made by the club through their social media handles on Wednesday.


The two-time Hero Indian Super League (ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC added one more player to their squad as they signed Iranian player Vafa Hakhamaneshi ahead of the 2022-2023 season. The announcement was made by the club through their social media handles on Wednesday.
𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐊𝐊𝐀𝐌 𝐕𝐀𝐅𝐀! 🙌🏼
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) June 29, 2022
The Iranian 🇮🇷 defender is here to strengthen our back line! 💪🏻💙#AllInForChennaiyin #WelcomeVafa pic.twitter.com/l1ikOssYbA
Hakhamaneshi has played for a number of clubs In Iran's top-tier league, the Persian Gulf Pro League. He made 59 appearances, playing for teams like Tractor FC, Sanat Naft, and Naft Tehran. In fact, the Iranian won the Persian Gulf Pro League in 2013–14 while playing for Foolad FC. The seasoned center back has also played 60 games in the Iranian second tier for Khooneh Be Khooneh and Fajr Sepasi.
“I feel proud to join the team to represent Chennai. I will fight with all my might for the pride of the city and the people,” Hakhamaneshi said after joining the Marina Machans.
Before joining the Marina Machans, the 6’6 tall defender played for Ratchaburi Mitr Phol FC, where he made three appearances in the AFC Champions League.
“Vafa Hakhamaneshi is a towering addition to our squad. Having played in the Iranian first tier league and the AFC Champions League, he will be aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner, Vita Dani.
Vafa is 🔵💙
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) June 29, 2022
Hear 🗣 from our newest defender, on his excitement to join the club 💪🏻#AllInForChennaiyin #WelcomeVafa pic.twitter.com/P6YeJrpvZZ
This is the second international signing for the Marina Machans, prior to this signing they acquired the service of Senegal international Fallou Diagne on Monday.
Hector Ramirez and Liridon Krasniqi's journey at Odisha FC come to end
Odisha FC announced the departure of defender of Hector Ramirez along with midfielder Liridon Krasniqi from their foreign contingent ahead of the upcoming Hero ISL season. The announcement came through their social media handles on Wednesday.
The 34-years old Ramirez joined the Odisha FC in the 2021-22 season, this was his first stint at the Hero ISL. The Spaniard made 15 appearances for the Kalinga Warriors, where he contributed with 2 goals and 74 clearances.
OFC would like to thank @hectorrodas5 for his contribution to the club and wishes him the best for the future ⚫️🟣#OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame #ThankYouHector pic.twitter.com/8kXsrQ1EZ4
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) June 29, 2022
Levante was the first football club where Ramirez began his youth career before he made his senior debut for the club's reserve squad and ultimately played for the first team in 2009. Later, he played for numerous Spanish teams, including Elche, Betis, Cordoba, Cultural Leonesa, and Alcorcon. He joined Belgian club Cercle Brugge in 2017 for his first tenure at a foreign club.
The defender penned down a farewell note on his social media handles
Thanks for all family @OdishaFC 💜🇮🇳!! pic.twitter.com/BWG22rItKt
— Héctor Rodas (@hectorrodas5) June 29, 2022
On the other hand, the Krasniqi also joined Odisha FC side in the 2021-22 season of Hero ISL. Before joining the Kalinga Warriors, the midfielder played for Johor Darul Ta'zim FC in Malaysian Super League (MSL).
The Iran midfielder played 16 matches in his inaugural season for Odisha FC. But he didn’t deliver to his caliber and failed to hamper a long-lasting impact for his side.
In 2011, Krasniqi made his senior debut for FK Mlada Boleslav in the Czech Republic, where he began his professional career. He later signed with the Turkish club Ankaraspor. Then, Fethiyespor, a different Turkish team, received him on loan.
Until next time, Matdon 💜
— Odisha FC (@OdishaFC) June 29, 2022
Thank you for everything! ✨#OdishaFC #AmaTeamAmaGame pic.twitter.com/cGULXwobTD
Odisha FC have already announced numerous departures during the off-season. That includes Javi Hernandez, Gaurav Bora, Narender Gahlot, Daniel Lalhimupia, and Laishram Premjit Singh.
Arsh Anwar Shaikh stays at ATK Mohun Bagan until 2025
ATK Mohun Bagan have handed a contract extension to their young goalkeeper Arsh Anwar Shaikh ahead of the new Hero ISL season. The club extended his stay until 2025 and the announcement was made via their social media handles on Wednesday.
📝Arsh Anwer Shaikh stays 💪💚♥️#ATKMohunBagan #JoyMohunBagan #AmraSobujMaroon pic.twitter.com/RNBPi7KxB9
— ATK Mohun Bagan FC (@atkmohunbaganfc) June 29, 2022
Prior to the 2019–20 season, Shaikh was elevated from ATK FC's academy to the first team. He was a member of the ATK Mohun Bagan team in the 2020–21 season, however, he didn't play in any of the Mariners' games during that campaign, which saw them advance to the final where they fell to Mumbai City FC. The 19-years-old custodian is yet to make his debut for the Mariners in Hero ISL.