On a rebuilding mode following their seventh-place finish in the last Indian Super League (ISL), Bhubaneswar-based side Odisha FC on Sunday announced that they have reached an agreement with former champions Mumbai City FC on a season-long loan for Raynier Fernandes.
The central midfielder Fernandes began his career with Air India before representing Maharashtra in Santosh Trophy. But his breakthrough season came in 2017-18 with the erstwhile Mohun Bagan. He made his ISL debut with Mumbai City in the 2018-19 campaign and was the runaway star for the Islanders, making 17 appearances with two goals and one assist against his name.
After making 16 appearances in the 2019-20 edition, the India international signed a contract extension with the Mumbai side and went on to play 21 games in their trophy-winning campaign in 2020-21.
The midfielder has won Sikkim Governors Gold Cup and finished runners-up in Federation Cup, Calcutta Football League (CFL) and I-League, all in his first year at Mohun Bagan in the 2016-17 season, when Aizawl FC won their maiden I-League.
He then returned to Mumbai to represent the Islanders in 2018 ISL. Raynier went on to win the ISL trophy and League Winners’ Shield with the Islanders and secure a spot in AFC Champions League group stage.
“We are very happy that Raynier has decided to join us this season. The club would like to welcome him and wish him the best for the upcoming season,” the club said in a statement on Sunday.
Earlier this week, Odisha signed a year-long deal with the Australian player Osama Malik. A versatile player, Malik can operate as a central defender, full-back and holding midfielder. He has had previous spells in A-League with Adelaide United, North Queensland Fury, Melbourne City, and most recently, Perth Glory.
During a chat with head coach Josep Gombau, the Spanish gaffer said about the Aussie, “I am so happy to have him here. He is a player who has a lot of experience in Asia. Osama has 200 games under his belt when he was at Adelaide and he is a player that I know very well.
“I know what Osama brings to the table. He is a player who can play multiple positions as a central defender and as a No. 6 and I am really happy that we secured his signature. I wish him a very successful season at Odisha FC and the best for the upcoming season,” added the former Adelaide United coach.
With the deal, Odisha have fulfilled their Asian quota signing for the upcoming 2022-23 season.
