Odisha FC have confirmed the arrival of Ahmed Jahouh on a two-year contract. The midfielder left Mumbai City FC after a three-year spell and now reunites with former Mumbai and Goa coach Sergio Lobera at Odisha.
The Super Cup winners announced their new signing through their social media profiles yesterday. And he is expected to feature in the squad for the 23/24 season, which will be an ambitious one for the club after finishing sixth in the table this past season.
Ahmed Jahouh signs for Odisha FC on a two-year contract
The midfielder has had an illustrious time in the Indian top flight so far, winning the Hero ISL League Winners’ Shields (one with FC Goa and another with Mumbai City FC) as well as a Hero ISL title (with Mumbai City FC).
“I have been to the Kalinga and the atmosphere there is incredible. It’s time for us to take it up a notch and represent the club in the best way possible in the Hero ISL and Asia,” Ahmed Jahouh told Odisha FC’s upon being officially unveiled as a new player for the club.
“It’s my absolute pleasure to join the Kalinga Warriors for the new season. I can’t wait to reach Bhubaneswar, meet my teammates and get started. Let’s go Odisha!”
What can Ahmed Jahouh bring to the team?
In spite of being 34 years old, the Moroccan has shown a tireless work rate during his time with Mumbai City FC. And having played brilliantly under Sergio Lobera in the past, he is expected to build on their already established relationship to become an all-important member for Odisha FC quickly.
He has a very impressive passing range and is known to chip in with a goal every now and then too. As a result, his presence will be extremely valuable when the Kalinga Warriors compete in the AFC Cup for the first time, as well as the upcoming domestic season.
Jahouh is the perfect profile that a club needs to provide solidity in midfield. Not only can he build up play, and create goalscoring opportunities, but he is also a good disruptive midfielder and can turn possession in his team’s favour as well.
The Moroccan can also be an important presence in the locker room due to his experience at the top level. He could pair well alongside leaders like club captain Carlos Delgado, who recently extended his contract with Odisha FC until 2024.
The defender has established himself as a rock at the back, and has shown a great amount of composure at the backline. And this news, coupled with the arrival of Jahouh, will no doubt be a big treat for fans of the club.
It will now be interesting to see how the veteran operates in his third spell under Sergio Lobera. The pair have had a history of achieving great success together in the past. And with Odisha FC’s recent success, they will have a great amount of momentum to build on, which could boost their chances of potentially challenging for the title this upcoming season.
