ISL: Jamshedpur FC complete signing of forward Harry Sawyer

The 25-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the Men of Steel.

Jamshedpur FC have completed the signing of Australian centre-forward Harry Sawyer for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Men of Steel have roped in the 25-year-old on a one-year deal, with an option to extend it further if needed. He will lead their line going forward in a crucial season.

Jordan Murray replacement

Sawyer has been signed to replace striker Jordan Murray, who is set to leave the club. He is also the first foreign acquisition for Jamshedpur under new manager Aidy Boothroyd. The 6’5’ centre-forward is guaranteed to add a lot of physical prowess to the Men of Steel next season.

Jamshedpur were impressed with what they saw from Sawyer while scouting him last season. He is still relatively young for a striker (especially in the ISL) and is guaranteed to add a unique threat to the side.

Sawyer’s playing history so far

Despite his age, Sawyer has almost a decade of professional experience in his career. He started his senior career as a 17-year-old for Queensland-based side North Star. The forward also went on to play for lower division Australian clubs like Peninsula Power, Western Pride and Brisbane Roar (youth).

He played for A-league side Newcastle Jets in 2017 as well. Sawyer has a lot of experience of being a journeyman in Asian football. He played for Philippines side Davao Aguilas as well as Hong Kong side Tai Po. Sawyer even won the Hong Kong Premier League with the side in the 2018/19 season. He scored four goals in 10 appearances in the title-winning campaign.

In the last few years, he has played in Australia for lower league sides like South Melbourne and Gold Coast Knights. However, Sawyer has a pretty impressive goalscoring record in the Australian leagues. He scored 25 goals in 38 appearances for Melbourne and 15 in 19 for the Knights.

It was probably his impressive goalscoring ability that attracted Jamshedpur’s experience. Moreover, the 25-year-old can use his towering height to win aerial duels with ease and can bully defenders. His hold-up play, heading ability and link-up style will all be crucial to executing Boothroyd’s style perfectly.