Odisha FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season by signing Qatar-born Indian-origin midfielder Aashir Salim on a two-year contract.
The club announced the arrival of the 20-year-old on Saturday as it continues to reshape its squad following a difficult campaign last season. Aashir becomes the latest addition to a midfield that already includes Giorgi Aburjania, Puitea, Hitesh Sharma and K. Lalrinfela.
Born in Doha, Aashir developed his game in Qatar through the youth system of Al-Sailiya SC. He progressed across the club’s different age groups and was also part of its Olympic setup before gaining experience at the senior level.
The move to Odisha FC will give the youngster his first opportunity to play in the Indian Super League. Aashir expressed his excitement about beginning a new phase of his career in India and said he was determined to contribute to his new club.
“I’m very happy to join Odisha FC, and I’m really looking forward to this new chapter in my career. This will be my first experience in the Indian Super League, so it is a very exciting opportunity for me. I’m eager to learn, work hard and give my best for the team and the fans,” Aashir said.
His signing is part of a wider rebuilding effort at Odisha FC ahead of the new season. The club finished fourth from bottom in the regular campaign last season and is now looking for an improvement under former Hyderabad FC coach T.G. Purushottam.
Odisha have already been active in strengthening different areas of their squad. Giorgi Aburjania, Nandhasekar, Nihal Sudeesh and goalkeeper Sachin Suresh have joined the club ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, with Aashir now added to the list of new arrivals.
The Juggernauts will hope the changes can help them return to stronger results. Odisha won the Super Cup in 2023 before reaching the final of the competition the following year.
For Aashir, the upcoming campaign will offer an opportunity to make the transition from Qatari football to the ISL while competing for a place in Odisha’s revamped midfield.
