ISL 2022-23: Mumbai City FC agree loan extension for Vinit Rai; Jorge Diaz part ways with Kerala Blasters FC

The ISL 2020-21 champion Mumbai City FC has agreed on loan extension of Vinit Rai with Odisha FC ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League 2022-23, the club announced on their social media handle on Tuesday. The midfielder will stay at the club till the end of the upcoming season of the tournament.

Rai played 10 matches for the Islanders in the previous season of the Hero ISL after he made a move to the club from Odisha FC on loan in January 2022. Furthermore, Rai was part of the Mumbai City outfit after they had finished at second place in the Group stage of the AFC Champions League.

Rai featured in five of six matches of the tournament for Mumbai City. Meanwhile, Vinit started his ISL career in 2016 and he has the experience of playing 79 matches. The 24-year-old has played for teams like Delhi Dynamos, Odisha FC, and Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL.

“The last six months of my career with Mumbai City were an important part of my learning curve as a footballer and I am pleased to add another season to my time with the club that has helped me grow. Being able to work with some of the finest players in the league and to be able to play at the highest level in Asia has given me plenty to build on in my first full season with Mumbai City,” said Vinit after putting pen to paper.

“Working with a coach and staff who believe in you really helps a player and playing under Des Buckingham has tremendously helped me progress both, as a footballer and as a person. I want to extend my gratitude to Odisha FC and thank the club and the staff for the support they’ve given me. Now, my sights are set on making the most of this opportunity that lies ahead of me and I hope to help the Mumbai City family achieve our goals and objectives,” he added.

“I’m pleased that we are able to secure Vinit with us for another season. He brings a balance and other qualities to our midfield that will be very important for the team. Having joined us midway through last season, Vinit settled into the group quickly and has already demonstrated how important he can be for us, especially during our AFC Champions League campaign. He has exceptional personal qualities and I am confident he will have a really positive impact on and off the pitch in his time here with us at Mumbai City,” stated Des Buckingham, head coach of Mumbai City FC on Vinit’s contract extension.

On the other hand, the previous season’s runners-up Kerala Blasters FC have parted ways with their striker Jorge Diaz ahead of the new season, the club announced on Tuesday.

Diaz had played an instrumental role in taking Kerala Blasters to the final of the tournament as he had scored eight goals and also provided one assist in 21 matches he played in the previous season.