Carlos Delgado set to re-sign for Odisha FC

The Spaniard played for the Juggernauts in the ISL 2019-20 season.

Odisha FC are set to re-sign Spanish centre-half, Carlos Delgado, for the upcoming ISL season. A statement from Delgado's current club CB Atletico Baleares have confirmed that the 32-year-old has left the club and will re-join the Indian Super League club he played for previously.

Delgado previously turned out for Odisha FC in ISL 2019-20 where he made 16 appearances and scored a goal. Josep Gombau, who is also returning as the Odisha FC head coach, had brought him to the club then. While this will be his second stint in India, this will also be only the second time, the 32-year-old will play outside Europe.

Atletico Baleares also announced that the centre-back has received an 'irrejectable offer' from an Indian club he's already played for, Odisha FC in this instance. They have also confirmed that the club received financial compensation (transfer fee) from the player or Odisha FC.

About the Player

Delgado started his career in the Málaga CF's youth system at the age of 15. He rejected a contract offer from the club and instead signed for the Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam.

But he failed to make a single appearance for the Eredivisie outfit and returned to his native county and joined Real Valladolid. A few loan spells to Netherlands and Sparta followed.

But he finally made his breakthrough at Valencia CF. He signed an initial two-year deal and was initially a part of the B team setup. Delgado made just one first-team appearance for the club that too in the UEFA Champions League.

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After being released by Valencia, Delgado joined CD Leganés. But he only made 14 competitive appearances for the club before joining Recreativo de Huelva on a one-year deal.

In 2016, Delgardo signed for Albacete Balompié and helped them gain promotion to the second trier as a captain. In 2018, the Spanish centre-half signed a three-year contract with third-tier side CD Castellón, but left after a season to join Odisha FC, then known as Delhi Dynamos, in India.

Odisha FC’s preparations for ISL 2022/23

The club have already announced the return of Josep Gombau as their head coach for the next two seasons. The Spaniard, who guided the Juggernauts to a sixth-place finish — their highest ever after being rechristened — in his only season in India will also reunite with Delgado.

Odisha FC have meanwhile parted ways with captain Vinit Rai, who is set to make a loan move to Mumbai City FC a permanent one as confirmed by Khel Now.

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