Hyderabad FC to rope in Indian Arrows defender Akash Mishra for Rs. 40 lacs

The 18-year-old delivered stellar performances in the I-League last season and was influential in India's success in the SAFF U-18 Championship.

Hyderabad FC have signed Indian Arrows youngster Akash Mishra ahead of the upcoming season, Khel Now understands. Moreover, the club paid a transfer fee of whopping ₹40 lacs for his signature.

The 18-year-old has been among Arrows’ highest-rated players of late and a move to the Indian Super League seemed imminent. Appearing in over 16 games for the AIFF developmental side, Mishra was one of the mainstays of the team last season.

Interestingly, Akash Mishra was also part of the India side that clinched the SAFF U-18 Championship in Nepal last year. There too, he was one of the most consistent performers in the team, making seven appearances and even notching two goals.

His outstanding display at the back for the Blue Colts caught the eye of many in the Indian top flight. Moreover, looking at the talent he possesses at 18, Akash Mishra has huge room for development once he makes the move to the ISL. Now, with a head coach in Albert Roca, this could be a golden opportunity for him to leave an impression on the Indian football fraternity.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad FC, who have been more or less silent in the ongoing summer transfer window, will look for redemption next season. With Souvik Chakrabarti in and several players extending their stay at the club including Adil Khan and Nikhil Poojary, the club are looking to build a strong domestic base.

In addition to that, the club also possess several upcoming talented youngsters who add extra energy to the team. These include Asish Rai, Mohammed Yasir, Abhishek Halder and Hitesh Sharma. While Akash Mishra is a valuable addition to that list, the competition for a place in the starting XI will be stiff.

The club are looking to establish a good balance between experienced players and talented youngsters within the squad. That said, it would be interesting to watch if they can hit the ground running under their new boss Roca.