Former Mumbai City FC defender Mourtada Fall joins Odisha FC, overseas trio part ways with Hyderabad FC

Odisha FC are making some stellar additions to their lineup in this transfer window. The signing are in sync with the appointment of their new boss Sergio Lobera. After signing former FC Goa and Mumbai City FC midfielder Ahmed Jahouh, Odisha FC have roped in Mourtada Fall.

The club announced the signing of the Senegalese centre-back, who has signed a two-year deal and will be reunited with his former boss Lobera. He has been a stalwart in FC Goa and Mumbai City FC’s defence and has played in the AFC Champions League so Fall’s addition will be huge for the Juggernauts.

Apart from maintaining the shape at the back and taking care of the backline, Fall is also the highest-scoring defender of the Indian Super League with 17 goals. He will be a primary target from corners along with Diego Mauricio.

The Senegalese defender has enjoyed some fruitful years in Indian football. During his time with FC Goa, he clinched the Super Cup title followed by the ISL League winner’s Shield as he showcased his impeccable defensive prowess for the Gaurs. He also chipped in with some goals here and there.

Fall followed Lobera to Mumbai City FC and there also he was a star. He contributed significantly to the team’s upward rise. Here, he won the ISL League winner’s shield again and then he won the ISL title and also featured in the AFC Champions League. The Islanders even did well in Asia’s top-tier tournament as they even won some matches. His defensive expertise, his leadership quality and also his ability to chip in with goals, make him a very stable defender.

Odisha FC will cherish Fall’s services considering they will aim for the ISL title and will also feature in the AFC Cup for the first time in their club’s history. He has the experience and expertise to lead this team. Fall generally has found success when he joined hands with Lobera in the past.

Meanwhile, there’s a lot happening at Hyderabad FC as well as they have parted ways with Manolo Marquez, who has now joined FC Goa. Hyderabad FC also announced that they have let go of their three foreign players – Borja Herrera, Javier Siverio Torro and Joel Chianese. The former two will be donning the Red and Gold of East Bengal in the upcoming season as per rumours.

Chianese played 51 matches for the club scoring nine goals and providing four assists. He was a part of the ISL winning team in the 2021-22 season. In 45 games, Siverio netted 12 times in his two-year stint. Lastly, Borja was also a very important player for Manolo as the Nizams finished second in the league race last season.