Ahmed Jahouh joins Odisha FC on two-year deal

The defensive midfielder moves to the Juggernauts after three years with the Islanders.

After Odisha FC clinched their maiden silverware with the Hero Super Cup, many pundits opined that Odisha look formidable enough for the next season and there was no necessity to tinker around with the squad. But right after the season ended, the management didn’t think twice before taking the brave decisions they had charted previously, irrespective of the result. This goes on to establish that there are some serious heads at the Odisha FC board meetings which wants to achieve bigger glory.

In the quest of the same, they signed one of the most sought-after coaches – Sergio Lobera who knows how to win silverware and what it feels to play in Asia. And with him come the imminent signings of his “favorites”, one of which is Moroccan midfield maestro Ahmed Jahouh. Jahouh and Lobera go hand-in-hand as pakhaala goes with toraani right from their Moghreb Tetouan days in Morocco.

In India, Jahouh won the Super Cup under Lobera’s leadership at FC Goa. The next season Lobera moved to Mumbai City and with him went Jahouh and together they won the Shield and the ISL Trophy.  The Mumbai City number 10 continued for couple more seasons with the Islanders and won another shield with them.

Lobera and Jahouh in the ISL

7 goals, 22 assists and over 50 contributions to goal as a player who generally starts as a defensive midfielder is more than enough to declare he’s the best in business. Additionally, his prowess to advance in the backbone of the field from his conventional defensive mid role to center and then in the twinkle of an eye as an attacking midfielder is a trait that Odisha would be desperate to capitalize upon, particularly after the departure of their young Spaniard midfielder Saul Crespo.

Jahouh’s addition doesn’t just nullify that vacancy rather brings in a ton more stability and experience for the young Indian midfielders at Odisha FC.

With a knack for winning trophies, Ahmed Jahouh was a clear favorite replacement for Saul at Odisha FC who would be eying first ever appearance in Asia at the AFC Cup and the first plug in their squad. Only time shall tell how Jahouh settles in his new team and the support he receives from his young counterparts but for now, The Juggernauts are content with their first fresh signing of the season.