Odisha FC rope in Rakesh Pradhan on loan from NorthEast United FC

The full-back made only one appearance for the Highlanders so far this season.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Odisha FC has roped in defender Rakesh Pradhan on loan from fellow league competitors NorthEast United FC. The former Shillong Lajong fullback has been signed till the end of the ongoing 2020-21 ISL season.

The club announced the signing on Monday morning. "Odisha FC reached an agreement with NorthEast United FC over the loan of the 23-year-old defender Rakesh Pradhan," their statement read. After starting his I-League career with Shillong Lajong FC in the 2017-18 season, Pradhan signed for NorthEast United in the sixth ISL and made 15 appearances for the Guwahati-based side last year. In the ongoing season, he featured in just one game so far - the 2-2 draw against Kerala Blasters on November 26.

Welcoming Rakesh to Odisha FC, head coach Stuart Baxter said, "Rakesh adds a little experience to our young squad. His natural left foot, quickness and versatility will help to give us more balance."

After joining the Bhubaneswar-based side, Rakesh expressed, "I am extremely delighted to be joining Odisha FC for the remaining games of the season. Will try to give my best for the team and looking forward to a very good association with my teammates and everyone at OFC."

Meanwhile, NorthEast United are at fifth place in the league standings, with 15 points from 12 games. On Sunday, they ended their seven-match winless run with a 2-1 victory over Jamshedpur FC. On the other hand, Odisha are languishing at rock-bottom in the points table, having won just one game out of a total of 11 outings so far. With Pradhan's signing, the Juggernauts will have more versatility in their defence which, in turn, may help them climb higher up the table in the weeks to come.