Odisha FC complete the signing of Hitesh Sharma

Hitesh Sharma was a vital cog at Hyderabad FC and will be expected to deliver similar results at Odisha.

Hyderabad FC are in a state of turnmoil and as a result most of their players have left or are leaving the club currently. Hitesh Sharma, who had been an integral part of the contingent has decided to join Odisha FC. A source tracking the move has informed Khel Now, “Odisha FC have completed the acquisition of Hyderabad FC midfielder Hitesh Sharma. It is a two and a half year deal which will keep him at the club till the end of the 2025-26 season.” As per latest reports, Hitesh has started training with Odisha FC.

Hitesh Sharma’s addition is somehow confusing to many fans. Odisha FC have the likes of Princeton Rebello, Puitea and Lenny Rodrigues, who play in a similar position to that of Hitesh.

The source mentioned, “Lenny and Princeton are contracted with Odisha till the end of this season. Hence, if their contracts are not renewed, the Juggernauts won’t have a proper support to Ahmed Jahouh, with Puitea being left as the sole option. Head coach Sergio Lobera usually preferes a double pivot where he uses Jahouh and Puitea to control the tempo and dictate things from the middle.”

Keeping Lobera’s philosophy in mind, Hitesh Sharma stands out as a perfect fit to the contingent.

Odisha FC’s current season

Sergio Lobera has worked wonders after taking charge at Odisha FC. Until their Kalinga Super Cup final loss to East Bengal, the Juggernauts were 15 matches unbeaten across all competitions. After joining at the start of the season, Lobera brought in players who had played under his tutelage earlier.

Notably, players like Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall, Cy Goddard and Amey Ranawade have left an indelible mark on the pitch for Odisha. However, foreigners like Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio and Indians like Jerry Lalrinzuala and Isak Vanlalruatfela have also excelled under Lobera’s mentorship.

Odisha FC are currently placed third on the ISL 2023-24 points table. They have accumulated 24 points from 12 games so far, registering seven wins, three draws and just two losses. The Juggernauts are top contenders for an ISL title this time. And they might make it happen if they can surpass teams like Kerala Blasters and FC Goa, who are equally quipped to bring the challenge to the table.

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