Javi Hernandez has an experience of playing 37 matches in the ISL and even scored two goals in the final of the 2019-20 season against Chennaiyin FC.
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Odisha FC have announced the signing of Spanish attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez, ahead of the eighth edition of the Indian Super League (ISL). The Spaniard made his senior debut for Real Madrid B, following a youth career at CDF Pizarrales, Salamanca and Real Madrid. Hernandez joined Romanian professional club ACS Poli Timisoara after this. The footballer further went on to play professional football in Poland and Azerbaijan before signing for ATK in 2019. Hernandez was retained by the newly-formed ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020, following a victorious campaign.
“I am really excited to join Odisha FC and very happy to continue playing in India. Am looking forward to meeting my teammates and we will definitely work hard and play well to make sure that we have a wonderful season ahead. I want to make the Odisha FC fans proud,” said the footballer after signing a deal with the Odisha-based franchise.
Head coach Kiko Ramirez termed Hernandez as a great addition to the squad.
“Javi is a great addition to the squad, he is going to give us work in the midfield, and balance to the team. The most important thing is that even playing in midfield, he is a player who can score goals due to his physical capabilities and his good technique. He is a good player to play different styles of football, and he has a very good shot. From set-pieces, he is a great kicker, both for direct scoring and for strategy plays. He is loved in the teams where he has been for his work ethic, for his enthusiasm, and for his character,” he stated.
Club president Raj Athwal welcomed Hernandez to the franchise, hailing him as another highly-rated player.
“We are delighted to welcome Javi Hernandez to the Odisha family. In Javi, we have added another highly-rated player, who has experience of winning the ISL, to our squad,” he said.
Hyderabad FC have completed the signings of defender Nim Dorjee Tamang and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh, adding more quality to the youthful contingent. The duo join from NorthEast United and have each signed three-year contracts till the end of the 2023-24 season. Dorjee hails from Sikkim and started his career with Shillong Lajong where he made 45 I-League appearances. The center-back can also fill in at right-back, having gained valuable experience at a young age.
“I am really excited to be a part of Hyderabad FC, a team which has good young and experienced players. The club has played top-quality football last season and I am delighted to be a part of the club’s journey,” said the 25-year-old who has played for the Highlanders since 2019. Dorjee already has 18 ISL appearances to his name to add to two caps for the India U19s.
Gurmeet has spent the last three seasons with NEUFC and will look to provide more competition for a place under the bar in the first team. The 21-year-old featured eight times for the Highlanders last season keeping two clean sheets.
“I am grateful to the club for providing me this opportunity. As a young player, seeing others my age flourish here makes this a really important project for me. It is a very important season for us at Hyderabad FC. We will look to build on the campaign last season and I am sure we as a team are ready for the challenges,” he stated.
