Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Hyderabad FC have completed the signing of full-back Vignesh Dakshinamurthy from Mumbai City FC, the club announced on Monday.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal with Hyderabad FC that will run until the summer of 2027.
Dakshinamurthy becomes HFC's first summer signing and the transfer brings his five-year association with Mumbai City FC to an end.

Vignesh joined the Islanders in September 2018 off the back of his performances in the 2018 SAFF Championship. The left-back made his debut for the Islanders on February 1, 2019, in a home game against FC Goa. After sporadic appearances in his first two years, Vignesh burst onto the scene in the 2020-21 season, playing in all but one game for Mumbai City as he lifted a ‘double’, winning the ISL League Shield and the ISL Trophy.

Vignesh’s influence on the squad and the performances continued as he became one of the key fixtures in the Islanders’ starting XI. Vignesh went on to represent Mumbai City at the 2022 AFC Champions League and was a part of the squad that won the 2022-23 ISL League title in record-breaking fashion.

Vignesh made 60 appearances over five seasons and scored two stunning goals, against Hyderabad FC (2020/21) and Chennaiyin FC (2022/23), in his journey with the Islanders.

The left-back will now be wearing the Yellow and Black jersey from this season onwards and will add quality to their backline.

Speaking on the transfer, Hyderabad FC owner Varun Tripuraneni said, “We’ve been tracking Vignesh for a while now and are extremely happy to have him on board. He was an integral part of two Hero ISL League Shield-winning campaigns and knows the demands at this level. Vignesh will be a long-term asset for Hyderabad FC and we believe he will add a lot of strength to our team in the coming seasons.”

An animated Vignesh, after putting pen to paper, said, “I’m very excited to join Hyderabad FC. Over the last few seasons, the club has shown immense faith in young Indian players and I believe this is the best place for the next stage of my career. I’m thankful to the management for showing a lot of faith in me. We have an exciting squad at the club, and I can’t wait to get down to the field and put on the yellow and black jersey.”

Odei Onaindia's second stint at Hyderabad FC comes to an end

Spanish defender Odei Onaindia has bid farewell to Hyderabad FC after a tremendous season with the Yellow and Black.
Onaindia returned to Hyderabad FC for the 2022-23 season and played a vital role in helping his team reach two semi-finals and secure a second-place finish in the Hero ISL league table.

The centre-back was a colossal presence at the heart of HFC's defence, contributing to the club's record-breaking season of 42 points in a single Hero ISL campaign, while also keeping 12 clean sheets in the Hero ISL.

The 33-year-old showcased his calmness and composure by making 38 tackles, 23 interceptions, 94 clearances, and 31 blocks.

Onaindia featured in 29 matches for Hyderabad FC this season and also contributed a goal and an assist.

In recognition of his exceptional performance, Onaindia was bestowed with the prestigious HFC Player of the Year accolade.

Victor Rodriguez leaves Odisha FC

Odisha FC bid farewell to attacking midfielder Victor Rodriguez, who departs the club after representing them for the 2022-23 season. The club announced his departure through their social media channels on Monday.

During his short tenure at the club, the midfielder made a significant impact for the Juggernauts. He accumulated 19 appearances for Odisha FC and contributed with three goals and three assists in the 2022-23 season.

Rodriguez was a key presence in the midfield behind Diego Mauricio and played a vital role in their Hero Super Cup triumph and also played a crucial part in securing the club's first qualification for the Hero ISL playoffs.

Bengaluru FC rope in young Salam Johnson Singh

Hero ISL side Bengaluru FC acquire the services of young 21-year-old attacker Salam Johnson Singh from Hero I-League side Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC, the club announced on Monday.

Johnson Singh, who previously turned out for Lonestar Kashmir FC and East Bengal FC U18s, signs a three-year deal with the Blues’ that will keep him at the club till the summer of 2026.

“I’m really excited to take the next step in my professional career. I have heard many good things about Bengaluru FC and it is the club that every Indian footballer wants to play for. I know that it won’t be easy, but I want to work hard and try to contribute as much as I can, and make every opportunity count,” said Johnson, after completing the formalities of his deal.

The Manipur native, who began his career at the SAI Centre in Guwahati, was part of the East Bengal U18 side that took part in the U18 I-League in 2019-20. In 2020, Johnson moved to Keinou Library and Sports Association before a move back to the I-League with Lonestar Kashmir FC. During the 2022-23 season, Johnson picked up five goals and one assist in the I-League, as TRAU finished fourth.

“Salam is an exciting young player with bags of potential, and we see him as someone with a lot of potential to improve. His signing adds depth to the attacking department in our squad, as we look to compete on all fronts once again this season. He had a breakthrough year with TRAU last term, and with the guidance of our coaches and the experienced players in our ranks we believe he can take his game to the next level,” said Blues’ Director of Football, Darren Caldeira.

Salam was named Emerging Player of the Year in the I-League’s list of award winners in 2022-23.

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Victor RodriguezOdisha FCHyderabad FCBengaluru FCMumbai City FC Vignesh DakshinamurthyOdei Onaindia