Transfer Saga: How did Hyderabad FC fare in the current window?

Hyderabad FC have lost several key figures from their squad.

Hyderabad FC are staring at an uncertain future after Manolo Marquez’s departure. The head coach has left the club to join FC Goa and a few key players have also left the club. It was a difficult transfer window for the winners of the 2021-22 Indian Super League after losing some central figures to other clubs. 

Having said that, there have been interesting arrivals at Hyderabad FC as the club prepare to head into a post-Marquez era. Conor Nestor is the first-team coach and Thangboi Singto is the new head coach of the Nizams. Their duty would be to replicate the success from the last two seasons. To that end, the outfit has signed new players from the transfer market in order to compete.

As Hyderabad FC prepare to head into the 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League after a disappointing 2023 Durand Cup, here is a look at how the club’s transfer window went:

Arrivals

Felipe Amorim

Felipe Amorim joins Hyderabad FC from Thai club Chiangrai United. The 32-year-old Brazilian will add flair and creativity to the squad. His arrival can be seen as a direct replacement for Joel Chianese’s departure.

Joe Knowles

Joe Knowles is an interesting arrival at Hyderabad FC. The Australian winger is a real threat when it comes to scoring goals. The 27-year-old, formerly of Brisbane Roar, can play in multiple attacking positions, including as a striker. The versatility from Knowles will be a huge asset to the club.

Makan Winkle Chote

Makan Winkle Chote’s signing is promising. The young Indian attacker has all the qualities to become a top player. The Nizams have signed him from FC Goa and the club’s fans cannot wait to see him in action in the ISL. With players like Halicharan Narzary and Rohit Danu leaving, Chote will be crucial to HFC’s attack.

Petteri Pennanen

Petteri Pennanen will provide cover and stability in the midfield. The 32-year-old joins from Ilves Tampere.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy

Vignesh has signed for Hyderabad FC from Mumbai City FC. The 25-year-old left-back is expected to be a regular here at the Nizams.

Jonathan Moya

Jonathan Moya is the replacement for the outgoing Javier Siverio who has signed for East Bengal. The 31-year-old striker from Costa Rica has a brilliant eye for goal. His last club was FC Anyang in South Korea.

https://twitter.com/HydFCOfficial/status/1698226083861324015?s=20

Departures

Akash Mishra

Akash Mishra signed for Mumbai City FC in a high-profile transfer. Mohun Bagan were also interested in the left-back’s signature.

Javier Siverio

Javier Siverio has moved to East Bengal. He will be at the forefront of the new project to help the Kolkata-based club challenge for titles under Carles Cuadrat.

Borja Herrera

Borja Herrera has joined Javier Siverio to sign for East Bengal. The midfielder will be crucial to the Red & Gold Brigade due to his versatility. The Nizams will certainly feel his absence.

Odei Onaindia

Odei Onaindia is a major loss to Hyderabad FC. The centre-back has left to join Manolo Marquez at FC Goa leaving the defence weak and vulnerable at HFC.

Halicharan Narzary

Halicharan Narzary has signed for Bengaluru FC to bolster their attacking options. His three years with Hyderabad FC were impressive and his departure will cause a contrasting impact at both clubs.

Rohit Danu

Rohit Danu joins Halicharan Narzary at Bengaluru FC. The 20-year-old will be a brilliant addition to the Blues and a notable loss for the Nizams.

Sweden Fernandes

Sweden Fernandes has signed for Chennaiyin FC on a permanent move after spending loan spells with Neroca FC. However, he has again been loaned out to Punjab FC.

Amritpal Singh

Amritpal Singh joins Rajasthan United on a permanent transfer. The centre-back will hope to impress with the I-League outfit. 

Biaka Jongte

Biaka has moved to the I-League to join Mohammedan SC on loan. The 20-year-old goalkeeper has a bright future and needs gametime to improve.

Joel Chianese

Joel Chianese is a free agent after his contract with Hyderabad FC ran out. The midfielder made a total of 57 appearances for the club.

Squad Analysis

Hyderabad FC fans will be a worried bunch after seeing some of their central figures leave to join Indian Super League competitors. The squad looks overhauled heading into the new season. 

Players like Odei Onaindia, Akash Mishra and Halicharan Narzary have not been replaced with adequate quality individuals which could play a detrimental role in the upcoming season. It will be a herculean task for HFC to replicate the past success and the fans will pray that the new players gel together quickly. 

Having said that, new incomings have sent a wave of excitement among the fanbase. While Hyderabad FC still lack quality domestic players across the board, individuals like Jonathan Moya and Felipe Amorim could set the ISL on fire with their skill set.