ISL 2022-23: Chennaiyin FC sign defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi; Hector Ramirez and Liridon Krasniqi depart Odisha FC

Chennaiyin FC continues to add strength to their squad as they have signed the services of defender Vafa Hakhamaneshi ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League, the club announced on Wednesday on their social media platforms.

Hakhamaneshi has the experience of playing for numerous clubs in the Iranian top league, the Persian Gulf Pro League. He played for teams like Tractor FC, Sanat Naft, and Naft Tehran and made a total of 59 appearances.

The defender won the Persian Gulf Pro League in the 2013-14 season while representing Foolad FC. Furthermore, the center-back has the experience of playing 60 matches in Iran’s second-tier league for Khooneh Be Khooneh and Fajr Sepasi.

“I feel proud to join the team to represent Chennai. I will fight with all my might for the pride of the city and the people,” Hakhamaneshi said after joining the Marina Machans.

Hakhamaneshi is 6’6’’ tall and he is going to add value to the team’s defense as he can make use of his height to win headers.

“Vafa Hakhamaneshi is a towering addition to our squad. Having played in the Iranian first tier league and the AFC Champions League, he will be aware of the challenges that lie ahead of us,” said Chennaiyin FC co-owner, Vita Dani.

On the other hand, Odisha FC has parted ways with defender Hector Ramirez and midfielder Liridon Krasniqi ahead of the new season, the club announced on social media accounts on Wednesday.

Ramirez made his Hero ISL debut with Odisha FC in the 2021-22 season and he scored two goals in 15 matches for the club. Krasniq also joined Odisha FC in the previous season and played 16 matches for the team.

Meanwhile, ATK Mohun Bagan has extended the contract of their young goalkeeper Arsh Anwar Shaikh till 2025.