Ex-Kerala Blasters forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz joins Mumbai City

The Argentine played the ISL final with the Blasters last season.

Mumbai City FC have completed the signing of former Kerala Blasters forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz, the club announced on Wednesday. In a post on Twitter, the Islanders confirmed that the Argentine's arrival is subject to a medical. Diaz, who was instrumental in leading Kerala Blasters to the ISL final last season, will join the club from Atletico Platense. The 31-year-old was close to returning to Kochi before both parties decided to part ways.

Signed on loan from Platense, Diaz excelled as part of a front two alongside Alvaro Vazquez at Kerala. Both finished on eight goals each, the joint highest for Ivan Vukomanovic's side in ISL 2021-22. He also assisted once. Incidentally, that came against his new team Mumbai City, against who he also scored once in two meetings.

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Overall, he played 21 matches last season, clocking 1541 minutes for his nine-goal contributions. A tireless runner and never short of aggression, Diaz also attempted 47 tackles, was booked on seven occasions and was sent off once.

Having begun his senior professional career at Argentine club Ferro Carril Oeste in 2008, Jorge Pereyra Diaz went on to play for clubs like Lanus, Independiente, Bolivar and Platense. He also had a very successful spell at Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim. He lifted two domestic leagues and FA Cup with the Malayasian club among other trophies.

Last season, he joined Kerala Blasters on loan from parent club Platense and was expected to make a return, either on another loan deal or a permanent move this summer. However, negotiations reportedly broke down midway after failure to reach an agreement over the player's salary.

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Mumbai City FC's preparations for ISL 2022-23

The Argentine is Mumbai City's fourth foreign signing following the arrivals of Rostyn Griffiths, Alberto Noguera and Greg Stewart. Like Diaz, Stewart and Noguera have prior ISL experience while Griffiths is a veteran defender. The club had also earlier extended the contracts of Mourtada Fall and Ahmed Jahouh for another season. Jorge Pereyra Diaz's signing, therefore, completes their overseas quota for this season.

Among the domestic incomings, Mumbai City FC have roped in Lallianzuala Chhangte on a permanent move following the expiry of his six-month loan deal. They have also extended the loan spell of midfielder Vinit Rai for another season and have signed full-back Sanjeev Stalin from Kerala Blasters.

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