Indian Super League (ISL) club Odisha FC on Friday announced the signing of star midfielder Hugo Boumous on a three-year deal until the end of the 2026–27 season.

This move marks a reunion for Boumous with head coach Sergio Lobera, under whose guidance he previously flourished at FC Goa and Mumbai City FC. The Moroccan playmaker, who has thrived in Lobera's attacking system, is all set to showcase his creative sparks with the Kalinga Warriors.

On Boumous’ arrival, head coach Sergio Lobera said: “In my opinion, Boumous is the best player in the league in his position. We know each other very well, and we know that we need each other to be successful, I hope we can be successful together again. I am delighted that he has decided to join us.”

The 28-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of experience to Odisha FC, having established himself as a key player in the ISL since his arrival in 2018. He has made 133 appearances in Indian football. Throughout his time in India, Boumous has impressed with his attacking prowess, contributing a significant 37 goals and 49 assists.

Boumous boasts an impressive trophy cabinet with two ISL League Shields, two ISL Cups, one Durand Cup, and one Super Cup as well. Individually, Boumous' talent has shone through, earning him the coveted ISL Golden Ball in the 2019–20 season and solidifying his status as an elite midfielder.

Hugo Boumous said, “I am excited to join Odisha FC for the next three seasons. A growing club with an ambitious project where I will look to bring value to the team. I'm happy to reunite with Sergio Lobera, a coach with whom I had a lot of success in the past. Looking forward to meeting my teammates and everyone at Odisha FC to get ready for the new season. Special thanks to the owner (Mr. Rohan Sharma) and the president (Mr. Raj Athwal) for their confidence.”

His arrival also signifies a heartwarming reunion with familiar faces in the Odisha FC dressing room. Boumous will link up with midfield partner Ahmed Jahouh and defenders Mourtada Fall and Amey Ranawade, with whom he played at FC Goa and Mumbai City FC. This sense of camaraderie will undoubtedly aid Boumous in settling in quickly and replicating his past success.

Club President Raj Athwal said, “We are thrilled to welcome Hugo Boumous to Odisha FC. His experience, creativity, and proven track record in the ISL make him a valuable addition to our squad. He has demonstrated leadership qualities at his previous clubs, which will be important in forging strong partnerships with our players, and equally, his understanding of Coach Sergio will be a significant asset.”

Nikhil Barla extends his stay with Jamshedpur FC

ISL side Jamshedpur FC on Friday extended Nikhil Barla’s contract until May 2028.

The 20-year-old winger, hailing from Khunti, has been making rapid strides, moving through the ranks in the Jamshedpur FC youth setup to the first team. He has been impressing fans and coaches alike with his versatility, pace, and skill on the field. Capable of playing across various positions on the right wing, Barla has already shown his prowess in the ISL with three assists last season. His impressive performances have earned him increasingly more playing time, with his confidence growing each game.

Barla is the third player from Jharkhand in Jamshedpur FC, after Amrit Gope and Mobashir Rahman.

Nikhil Barla expressed his delight at extending his stay with the Khalid Jamil-led side, stating, "I'm overjoyed to continue my journey with Jamshedpur FC. My priority is to deliver outstanding performances in every match, leveraging coach Khalid Jamil's expertise to enhance my skills. I'm determined to repay the trust he's placed in me with performances on the field. The club's faith in me has boosted my confidence, and I'm eager to make the vociferous fans of Jharkhand proud.”

Barla's football journey began at the esteemed Tata Football Academy (TFA) in 2018, where he honed his skills for four years. During his tenure at TFA, Barla represented Jamshedpur FC in the Durand Cup (2020–21) and the Reliance Foundation Development League (2021–22). He also donned the Jharkhand jersey in the Santosh Trophy (2021–22), claiming Man of the Match honors twice. After graduating from TFA in 2022, Barla made his ISL debut with Jamshedpur FC in the 2022–23 season, rapidly gaining confidence and showcasing his prowess as a young forward. His impressive performances resulted in three assists in the 2023–24 ISL season, cementing his place in the team.

Head coach Khalid Jamil shared his enthusiasm about the signing, saying, “Nikhil Barla is a talented young player who offers versatility with his ability to play in multiple positions. I believe he should aim high and dream big, as he has the potential to achieve great things. As a local boy, he brings a unique advantage to the team, and I'm excited to see him grow. Last season, he got ample game time to showcase his skills, and I'm confident that this season will be even better for him. He needs to build on the last season and cement his place in the starting lineup with consistent performances."

Bengaluru FC part ways with Keziah Veendorp

Bengaluru FC on Friday announced the departure of midfielder Veendorp ahead of the upcoming season. The Dutch international joined the Blues last year on a two-year deal.

Veendorp featured in 15 league matches last season, clocking 996 minutes on the pitch. He averaged 38 passes per game, maintaining an 87% accuracy rate.

The midfielder created 10 chances and attempted 14 successful dribbles while recording an assist to his name. The 27-year-old footballer completed 76 recoveries and 15 clearances and also won 34 duels.

Related tags:

Bengaluru FCJamshedpur FCOdisha FC2023-2024 Hugo Boumous