Sreenidi Deccan are making some strong moves in the transfer window after narrowly missing out on promotion to the ISL this past season. The club has signed Angel Orelien of the Panama national team, in what is one of the biggest transfers in I-League history.
To put things into perspective, Panama is ranked 35th in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, almost 100 spots higher than India. Up until last season, Orelien was playing in the French Ligue 2, representing Dunkerque. And aged 23, he could have easily moved to Ligue 1, or another top tier European league. However, he has been convinced by the Sreenidi management to come to India.
Angel Orelien to join Sreenidi Deccan in massive transfer
On paper Angel Orelien (23, AM/Winger) is one the best signings ever made in the I League.
— Sanghapriyo (@SanghapriyoM) August 7, 2024
1. Debuted for Panama National Team (Current World Ranking 35) at the age of 17. He was on the bench last year.
2. He is the captain of the Panama U-23 team. Since last year he has scored… https://t.co/fci7twyOwz pic.twitter.com/o0UklaIN4k
The attacking midfielder has earned three caps for the national team so far. He last featured for Panama in 2022, in a friendly against Bahrain. However, he hasn’t made an appearance on the pitch since, having been left on the bench or out of the squad.
Regardless, he is still a massive signing for Deccan, and could be the difference maker for them as they look to make it to the ISL after Mohammedan Sporting this past season.
PRIMICIA. El panameño Ángel Orelién, bañado en oro por el Sreenidi Deccan, cuyos dueños son la familia real de la India.
— JOSÉ MIGUEL DOMÍNGUEZ F. (@chepebomba) August 8, 2024
Ganaría casi $1.5 M por año.
$900.000 salario anual.
$400.000 firma contrato.
$30.000 semifinales.
$60.000 finales.
$3.000 por gol.
$2.000 asistencias.
💣🐐 pic.twitter.com/8zJBRWGC0s
Sreenidi have also received a boost from the return of Ajay Chhetri from his loan spell at East Bengal. The young midfielder was not able to get a lot of minutes in the ISL, but had some impressive cameos. It now remains to be seen how the two new arrivals perform for Deccan this season.