ISL 2024: NorthEast United FC sign Tomi Juric, Bengaluru FC rope in Oliver Drost

NorthEast United FC has signed the services of Australian striker Tomi Juric on a free transfer on Monday. Juric has made 41 appearances for Socceroos and he was also part of the 2015 AFC Asian Cup squad. The forward represented the national team in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Juric has played across Europe and Asia, notably at Western Sydney Wanderers, where he won the AFC Champions League, FC Luzern, Roda JC, and recently played for Melbourne Victory.

Expressing his excitement about joining NorthEast United FC, Juric stated, “I’m eager to contribute to NorthEast United’s journey in the Indian Super League. I am ready to help the team achieve its goals for the season. It’s a new challenge, and I am committed to giving my all for the fans and the club.”

Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali commended Juric’s class, saying, “Tomi is a top-class player with a lot of experience playing at the highest level. His achievements, along with his goal-scoring ability, make him a valuable addition to our squad. We believe his presence will be a game changer.”

The club’s CEO, Mandar Tamhane expressed confidence in this acquisition, stating, “We are very happy to welcome Tomi Juric to NorthEast United FC. He brings with him valuable experience and winning mentality to the squad having won the AFC Campions League and Asian Cup. We believe he has all the qualities we need as we head into the business end of the league.”

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC has roped in the services of Oliver Drost. Drost will stay with the Blues till the end of the ongoing season of the ISL.

The 28-year-old will replace English striker Curtis Main, with whom the club mutually parted ways last month.

”I really hope that I can help the team with goals and assists, and that together, we can make the play-offs in the ISL,” said Drost.

Bengaluru manager Gerard Zaragoza said, ”Oliver (Drost) is a No.9 with the heart of a No.10. He is a striker, but also enjoys playing just outside the box, and given the style of football we play, this could be great. We spent a fair amount of time searching for the ideal replacement, because we wanted to bring in someone who suits our style the best, and when I saw Oliver, I got the impression that he could be that player.”