Hyderabad FC sign Ayush Adhikari ahead of ISL 2024-25

The talented defensive midfielder becomes the Nizams’ first signing of the window.

Former Indian Super League (ISL) champions Hyderabad FC have acquired the services of young Indian midfielder Ayush Adhikari ahead of the 2024-25 ISL season, Khel Now can confirm. Ayush Adhikari will be Hyderabad’s first signing since the takeover by the BC Jindal Group.

Former Kerala Blasters defensive midfielder, Ayush Adhikari, who moved to the Marina Machans for a 60 Lacs transfer fee last season, is set to join Hyderabad FC after terminating his contract with Chennaiyin FC.#indianfootball #chennaiyinfc #ayushadhikari #HyderabadFC #isl11 pic.twitter.com/9LCdOeXUBA

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) August 31, 2024

“Ayush Adhikari mutually terminated his contract with Chennaiyin FC on deadline day and has signed as a free agent with Hyderabad FC,” a source close to the developments informed Khel Now.

The BC Jindal Group, one of India’s leading business conglomerates, fully acquired Hyderabad FC on 26 August 2024, as informed earlier by Khel Now. The new owners have a huge task in hand to build a team for the upcoming ISL season that is just around the corner and Ayush is the one they have started with.

Also Read: Devendra Murgaonkar joins Hyderabad FC; terminates contract with FC Goa ahead of ISL 2024-25

About the player

The 24-year-old is one of the most promising names across the country and has been around for quite some time now. Ayush spent nearly four years in Germany as part of the U Dream Football program at the start of his career. He returned to India and joined Bengaluru-based Ozone FC and played seven official games for them.

Adhikari was the top scorer in the 2018-19 Santosh Trophy where he scored 6 goals for Delhi. He was then roped in by the reserve side of Kerala Blasters before being loaned out to the AIFF’s developmental side, the Indian Arrows in 2019. Ayush played 13 games for the Arrows before rejoining forces with the Blasters.

In 2020, he was promoted to the senior team and became a crucial member of the team in the following season under the tutelage of Ivan Vukomanovic. Ayush was made the captain of the reserve side that participated in the inaugural edition of the Reliance Foundation Developmental League (RFDL). He led his side from the front as the Blasters finished as the runners-up and qualified for the Next Generation Cup in the UK.

After making over 35 appearances for the Yellow Army, Ayush was roped in by Chennaiyin FC who reportedly paid a transfer fee of ₹50 lakhs. He played 25 games for the Marina Machans across all competitions and was a key player in Owen Coyle’s system.

Hyderabad FC’s preparations for the upcoming season

The Nizams haven’t done much business ahead of the upcoming season. They pulled out of the 2024 Durand Cup for not being able to put together a proper squad. However, they now have a new owner on board in the form of the BC Jindal Group and a lot of movements can be expected from them before the start of the league.

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