Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC on Tuesday announced the signing of French midfielder Jeremy Manzorro from Jamshedpur FC. Manzorro will don the Islanders’ sky-blue jersey until the end of the 2024–25 season.

The 32-year-old began his senior professional career with Stade de Reims in France and has since showcased his skills in various leagues across the globe, including Bulgaria (PFC Slavia Sofia), Lithuania (FK Žalgiris), and Kazakhstan (Tobol and Astana). He has participated in elite European competitions like the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. His accolades include the Lithuanian Cup, the Kazakh Cup, and two consecutive Kazakh league titles.

Manzorro moved to India in 2023 to join Jamshedpur FC, making 24 appearances and scoring six goals with two assists during the 2023–24 season. He is renowned for his precise passes and free kicks, notably scoring back-to-back 30-yard strikes against Punjab FC and a dramatic 97th-minute free-kick winner against East Bengal FC.

Known for his silky footwork, creative flair, and diverse passing range, Manzorro also brings valuable experience that complements the balance of the Islanders' squad.

Jeremy Manzorro said:

"I have enjoyed my time in India so far and am excited to stay for another season. Mumbai City FC is one of the most successful teams in the ISL and has a history of winning titles. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates and work with Coach Petr Kratky. I'm thrilled to start this new chapter in my life in the vibrant city of Mumbai and contribute to the club's success. My goal is to help the team achieve its objectives and bring more silverware to the club."

Petr Kratky said:

"Jeremy (Manzorro) is very skilful and has a deep understanding of the game, which is evident when he plays. His experience will be crucial for the team, and he will play a key role in the squad. We were convinced of his qualities during the course of the previous season, and I am excited to have him with us for the upcoming season."

Mohammad Nawaz joins Chennaiyin FC on a two-year deal

Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC have bolstered their defensive unit with the signing of young Manipuri goalkeeper Mohammad Nawaz on a two-year contract ahead of the upcoming 2024–25 season.

A product of the AIFF Elite Academy, Nawaz was previously part of Mumbai City FC and FC Goa. He has earned a reputation as one of the most talented goalkeepers in Indian football with his remarkable performances.

Nawaz’s arrival marks an exciting addition to the Chennaiyin FC squad, alongside other goalkeepers Samik Mitra and Prateek Kumar Singh. The 24-year-old brings youthful energy and exceptional potential and is expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.

Nawaz began his professional career at the age of 18 with FC Goa’s reserve side in the I-League second division, where his excellent performance earned him a place in the main team. He was a vital cog in FC Goa’s Super Cup and ISL League Shield-winning campaigns in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Later, he moved to Mumbai City FC in 2021, with whom he won the ISL League Shield in the 2022–23 season and the ISL Cup earlier this year.

He has also represented India at the U-17.

Nawaz has played 83 matches so far in his professional career, keeping 23 clean sheets. In 65 ISL games, he has recorded 15 clean sheets and 150 saves. Known for his quick reflexes, composure under pressure, and impressive shot-stopping abilities, he has also saved three penalties in the ISL.

Hijazi Maher pens a two-year extension with East Bengal FC

Indian Super League (ISL) club East Bengal FC announced that the club retained the services of their defensive mainstay Hijazi Maher until the end of the 2025–26 season. One of the top-performing defenders in Indian football last season, the 26-year-old Jordanian was adjudged the Best Defender in East Bengal’s victorious Kalinga Super Cup 2024 campaign.

Commenting on Maher’s extension, Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal said, “Hijazi (Maher) has been our defensive mainstay and was instrumental in helping us win the Kalinga Super Cup. More importantly, he understands East Bengal’s rich legacy and loves the club wholeheartedly—qualities that have endeared him to our fans.”

East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Hijazi (Maher) has become an important player in our defensive system, achieving incredible numbers in clearances, aerial duels, and interceptions. His solidity was one of the prime reasons why we could achieve the best defensive numbers since our entry into the ISL. Hijazi got offers from other clubs, but decided to play for us and help us in our AFC campaign and other important competitions.”

Since joining the Red and Gold Brigade in September last year, Hijazi has so far played 1,938 minutes across 22 matches (17 in the ISL and 5 in the Kalinga Super Cup). The towering left-footed defender recorded fantastic numbers in the last ISL season, which include the second-highest clearances (99), the second-highest-headed clearances (58), and the second-most blocks (22). Besides, his tally of 14 clearances in East Bengal FC’s away fixture against Mumbai City FC is the record for the most clearances by a player in a single ISL 2023–24 match. In addition to his defensive solidity, Maher displayed his scoring prowess by netting two goals in the Kalinga Super Cup.

Thrilled to continue his journey with East Bengal FC, Hijazi said, “East Bengal FC hold a special place in my heart. I’ve experienced many special moments with this great club, and I can feel how much the fans love me. They give me a lot of energy for every game, and I always try to make them happy in return. The Kalinga Super Cup was the first trophy I won outside Jordan. We want to scale even greater heights next season. I would like to thank Coach Carles (Cuadrat) and the East Bengal FC management for trusting my abilities. I can’t wait to return to Kolkata.”

Related tags:

East Bengal FCMumbai City FCChennaiyin FC2023-2024 Jeremy ManzorroHijazi Maher Hijazi Saleh Abu SaeedMohammad Nawaz