Odisha FC set to sign Michael Soosairaj on two-year deal

The winger spent much of last season on the sidelines due to injury.

Khel Now can confirm that Michael Soosairaj is set to sign for Odisha FC. The left-winger will join the Juggernauts on a two-year deal from ATK Mohun Bagan.

A source close to the development informed Khel Now, “Michael Soosairaj is set to sign for Odisha FC. It is going to be a multi-year deal till 2024.”

The winger was out of action for quite some time. His move was expected since ATK Mohun Bagan have already roped in Ashique Kuruniyan a few days back. Hopefully, he’ll enjoy a good pre-season and a fantastic season ahead.

About the player

Michael Soosairaj appeared just five times last season. He enjoyed only 26 minutes of action in those games. In the 2020/21 season, the Indian international played just one match, that too for only 14 minutes. He was injured and out for the season. Michael Soosairaj wasn’t fit to compete for a place in the starting line-up of ATK Mohun Bagan for much of the recently concluded season.

Even during the AFC Cup 2022, the former Chennai City player didn’t make any appearance for the Mariners. Juan Ferrando talked often about Michael Soosairaj's unavailability during the pre-match press conferences. However, his medical test was conducted and now the 27-year-old winger is fit to play.

In his career, Michael Soosairaj has played for Jamshedpur FC and ATK. After ATK and Mohun Bagan joined hands, he continued at the club. He was a creative threat from the left during his ATK days when he was a regular starter at the club. He played once for the Indian national team as well.

Odisha FC’s preparations for ISL 2022/23

Odisha FC haven’t yet appointed their new head coach. But the sources claim that the development wouldn’t be taking much time. Perhaps in the next few days, they’ll rope in someone. Odisha FC have a young Indian contingent, and thus they should focus on signing a tactician who has the experience of working with and developing youngsters.

The club has also signed Narender Gahlot as a reinforcement in the defensive third. How many foreigners will continue at the club is tough to predict. Most of their contracts are to be ending on 31st May. Meanwhile, Javi Hernandez has already left the club and joined Bengaluru FC.