Indian Super League (ISL) side Mumbai City FC announced that Spanish defender José Luis Espinosa Arroyo, better known as 'Tiri,' has put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension, extending his stay with the Islanders until the summer of 2025.

Since joining the club in 2023, the veteran defender has proved to be an important cog at the back, providing defensive solidity with his key interceptions and tackles, and becoming a mainstay in the starting eleven for the Islanders. Tiri was a crucial member of Petr Kratky’s side, which recently lifted the 2023-24 ISL Cup after defeating Mohun Bagan SG with a 3-1 scoreline at the Salt Lake Stadium.

In his time with Mumbai City FC, Tiri has been a centre-back with exceptional ball-playing abilities and a knack for sweeping the ball while defending. Tiri appeared in 23 games in the Indian Super League this season, collecting five clean sheets and proving rock-solid in defence, winning a mammoth 77 duels and making 87 recoveries in the process.

Tiri’s footballing journey started with his hometown club, Cadiz FC, in the Spanish divisions. He later joined Spanish heavyweights Atlético Madrid and was assigned to their B side during his three-year stay with the club. The Spaniard reached India in 2015, and since then has made 133 appearances in the Indian Super League – the second-most appearances by a foreigner in the history of this competition. By signing this extension with the Islanders, the Spaniard will enter the 9th ISL season of his career – the highest for any foreign player since the inception of the league.

Speaking on the occasion, Tiri said, "I am privileged to have extended my stay with Mumbai City FC. The club and its fans have made me feel at home since the moment I arrived last year, and I am honoured to be a part of this family. The club has built an environment where we have always supported and encouraged each other to flourish and achieve our goals. With the help of Coach Petr Kratky, the staff, and my teammates, my game has elevated to another level, and I want to continue creating history with the club. I am excited to continue my next chapter with the club, its incredible fanbase, and live in the great city of Mumbai."

Head Coach Petr Kratky said: "We are delighted to have Tiri stay with us for another season. As one of the most experienced players in the ISL, he shares our values and ambitions. His strong characteristics and leadership in defence have been crucial in keeping clean sheets and winning games. By extending his contract, Tiri has shown his commitment to the club, and we look forward to his continued contributions to our success."

Elsinho signs for Chhenaiyin FC on a two-year deal

Chennaiyin FC have signed the experienced and versatile Brazilian defender Elson Jose Dias Junior, popularly known as Elsinho, to a two-year deal that will keep him with the club until 2026.

Elsinho became the second signing of the 2024-25 season for the Marina Machans after they acquired the services of midfielder Jitendra Singh earlier this week.

With a wealth of experience and proven track record, the 33-year-old Elsinho joins Ryan Edwards to further strengthen Chennaiyin’s defence.

“Elsinho is a versatile, strong and technical footballer who can fit in at central midfield and at centre back. He gives us options at the back while also providing a goal threat in the opposition box. The Brazilian will be a great addition to our foreign contingent,” commented Chennaiyin head coach Owen Coyle.

Known for his versatility and adaptability, Elsinho has showcased his ability to contribute in the defence as well as midfield, offering tactical flexibility to the club. He was part of the Jamshedpur FC set-up last season and played 25 matches for them.

“The coach came to speak to me and showed an interest in my work, I was very happy with being able to do a championship that attracted attention, and I was very happy with, it ended up being a strong point for me to come to Chennaiyin,” Elsinho said.

Elsinho began his professional journey in 2014 with Clube Esportivo Naviraiense. He has played 214 matches so far in his career, which includes 15 goals and two assists. Elsinho spent most of his career at the Mexican club FC Juarez, making 136 appearances for them from 2017 to 2019.

Carlos Delgado pens two-year extension with Odisha FC

Spanish defender Carlos Delgado is all set to continue with Odisha FC as he has signed a two-year contract extension with the Kalinga Warriors.

The Spaniard played a key role in Odisha FC’s first major silverware, the Super Cup triumph in 2023. Furthermore, under the guidance of Sergio Lobera, Delgado played a pivotal role in the backline, helping his team reach the ISL semi-finals for the first time.

Delgado has made 45 ISL appearances for Odisha FC so far, keeping 10 clean sheets. With his leadership qualities and rock-solid attitude in the defensive third, he has been an integral part of Lobera’s style of play. Delgado averages 46 passes per game, has won 68 duels, completed 89 recoveries, made 33 interceptions, and also scored a goal.

Regarding his contract extension, Delgado said, “I’m going to continue in the club, and I’m very, very happy to be here, to be part of the family. I feel the club is like a family, and this is the most important (thing) for me."

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Odisha FCMumbai City FCChennaiyin FC2023-2024 TiriCarlos Delgado