NorthEast United set to sign Mauritania international Khassa Camara

The 27-year-old has represented his country in the African Cup of Nations in 2019.

Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United are set to sign Mauritania International Khassa Camara, Khel Now can confirm.

The Highlanders have been very inactive in the transfer market this season, but now it seems they have finally started making their moves and if things go as per plan, the 27-year-old defensive midfielder could be their first foreign signing for the upcoming season.

Born in France, Camara's professional career started when he joined French Ligue 2 outfit ES Troyes' "B" team. He gradually learned the ropes and rose through the ranks to play for their first-team. Thereafter, he plied his trade in the top three divisions in France and played for another French outfit named US Boulogne.

In 2015, he made his first move to Greece and joined a lower division side, GS Ergotelis, before joining Xanthi FC. He played at Xanthi for four seasons marshalling the midfield. Last season, Xanthi got relegated to the Greek second division.

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Khassa Camara is quite versatile as he can play as a central midfielder or even in a deeper role. If the need arises, he can also slot in as a right-back. Apart from his physical stature, he has great vision and often sparks counter-attacks after retrieving possession. He also has the basic blocking, tackling skills needed for a defensive midfielder and his energy to run to and fro will be an added advantage for NorthEast United head coach Gerard Nus.

The Highlanders managed to muster only two wins last season, therefore, finishing second last only above Hyderabad FC. So, they need some positivity in their camp for the upcoming campaign and Khassa Camara can be that player, as he brings European experience and is still in his prime. The defensive midfielder has also represented Mauritania at the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and other international friendlies. He featured in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations against Mali and Angola and was on the bench against Tunisia.