FC Goa have completed the signing of defender Marc Valiente ahead of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022-23 season, the club confirmed on Wednesday. Having penned a 1-year deal with the Gaurs, the Spaniard will represent them till the summer of 2023.

Speaking to fcgoa.in following completion of formalities, Valiente said, “I’m really excited to start this new chapter in my career. It’s an opportunity for me to live new experiences.

“Carlos (Pena) was the biggest influence on my decision. He told me everything about his plan as a head coach and also about the club. I also had some chats with Alvaro (Vazquez), having shared the dressing room with both in the past. It was comforting to have him in my team as he is an amazing player and person.”

With the signing of Valiente, the Gaurs have completed their foreign contingent that comprises Fares Arnaout, Alvaro Vazquez, Iker Guarrotxena, Noah Sadaoui and Edu Bedia.

Hyderabad FC sign highly-rated attacker Ramhlunchhunga

Continuing to build on an already impressive core of Indian youngsters at the club, Hyderabad FC have completed the signing of the highly rated 21-year-old attacker Ramhlunchhunga, on a long-term deal the club announced on Wednesday.

The Mizo-born versatile attacker who signs from Aizawl FC, made a name for himself with Electric Veng FC in his hometown. He started off with the UDream academy and trained alongside Hyderabad FC star Akash Mishra as he kicked off his professional career at an early age.

Ramhlunchhunga was also a part of the Mizoram Santosh Trophy team in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons while also helping EVFC finish runners-up in the Mizoram Premier League registering five goals in 17 games.

He featured in the I-League with Aizawl FC in 2020 and slowly cemented his place in the first team last season.

Ramhlunchhunga registered three goals and two assists in 16 I-League appearances last season, also bagging two ‘Man of the Match awards and was a standout player for Aizawl.

Jamshedpur retain robust midfielder Jitendra Singh

Jamshedpur FC successfully retained one of Hero ISL’s most consistent performers from the previous season in midfielder Jitendra Singh. Fondly known as Jitu, the former U-17 World Cupper became an indispensable part of last season's League Winners’ Shield winning team. The extension will see Jitendra don the Jamshedpur FC jersey till May 2024. 

Jitendra Singh, known to be omnipresent across the pitch with his high work rate, had an influential role to play in midfield in the previous season. The midfielder recorded impressive numbers last season with 67 tackles, 19 interceptions, 10 clearances. He also provided an important assist against ATK Mohun Bagan to set up Len Doungel in a 2-1 victory and won the Hero of the Match award for his top-notch performance. 

On signing the dotted line, the midfielder said, "The trust set in me by everyone at the club gave me a lot of confidence and it translated into a lot of playing time, especially last season. My overall experience at Jamshedpur FC has shaped me as a better midfielder. Having played in front of the loud and proud fans at the Furnace earlier as well, I am looking forward to coming back to Jamshedpur as a Champion and helping the club bring more silverware."   

Jamshedpur FC Head Coach, Aidy Boothroyd, spoke about having retained Jitu, "I am extremely delighted that we have secured the services of Jitu after some excellent performances last season, often an unsung hero in many of Jamshedpur's wins. I am looking forward to working with him, he has the potential to be an excellent player for club and country. "  

Jitendra Singh will continue donning squad number 3 for Jamshedpur FC and will join the squad for pre-season in mid-August.

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