Jamshedpur FC has unveiled a formidable 28-member squad for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season, featuring a strong contingent of six international players here on Friday.
Under the guidance of AIFF Men’s Coach of the Year Khalid Jamil the club has bolstered its lineup with key international signings, including Japanese midfielder Rei Tachikawa and Spanish forward Javier Siverio Toro, who have extended their contracts from last season.
Nigerian defender Stephen Eze, who previously played for Jamshedpur FC in the 2020-21 season, makes a highly anticipated return, while Australian forward Jordan Murray, who won the ISL League Winners' Shield during 2021–22 season along with the club, has returned to bolster the attack.
Serbian defender Lazar Cirkovic and Spanish midfielder Javier Hernandez, who has vast experience in playing in the ISL, make new international additions, adding experience and depth to an already competitive squad.
Coach Khalid Jamil has strategically selected foreign players with proven ISL experience and high quality to enhance the squad's depth and competitiveness.
A key foreign signing for the club is Spanish midfielder Javier Hernandez, whose vast experience and quality will be invaluable to the Men of Steel. Over five seasons in the ISL, he has recorded 21 goals and 17 assists, contributing to major titles such as the 2019-20 ISL championship with ATK Mohun Bagan and the 2022 Durand Cup with Bengaluru FC. His creative playmaking and attacking flair are set to significantly bolster Jamshedpur's midfield.
The club is also anticipating the return of Ritwik Das from rehabilitation, which will further strengthen their options on the wings. Alongside experienced players like Pronay Halder, Pratik Chaudhari, Uvais and Muirang as well as the promising Mohammed Sanan, the team is well-prepared to embrace the challenges of the upcoming ISL season.
Besides the foreigners, key additions have been made to the squad through the signings of Sreekuttan (Gokulam Kerala FC), Albino Gomes (Sreenidhi Deccan), Sourav Das (Chennaiyin FC), and Aniket Jadhav (Odisha FC).
Commenting on the squad, Jamshedpur FC head coach Khalid Jamil said, I'm thankful to the management for believing in us again. Our team is working tirelessly, and every player must take ownership and give their 100% effort. I'm thrilled to see more local talent joining our squad, creating a perfect blend of local, Indian, and foreign players. Let's support our players and wish them all the best".
Khalid Jamil will be assisted by Steven Dias as Assistant Coach making it an all Indian backroom staff. Steven has led the JFC reserve team in winning back to back JSA Premier Division titles in the past two seasons, and currently pursuing his AFC Pro License.
Coach Khalid Jamil Announces Five Captains for the ISL Season
Head coach Khalid Jamil has announced five captains for Jamshedpur FC for the upcoming ISL season. Javi Hernandez, Rei Tachikawa, Seiminlen Doungel, Pronay Halder and Nikhil Barla have been named captains for the season.
The motive behind five captains is to bring collective responsibility to the team and also utilize each unique strengths and qualities to guide the team throughout the season.
“Javi Hernandez joins us with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, ready to bring invaluable leadership to the forefront. Rei Tachikawa returns from last season, demonstrating his commitment and leading by example. Seiminlen Doungel offers his extensive experience and tactical insight to steer our squad. Pronay Halder is set to push the team to new heights with his relentless drive and ambition. Finally, Nikhil, our local hero, embodies the spirit of Jamshedpur FC, having risen through the ranks from TFA to the senior team,” said the coach after announcing the captains.
Jamshedpur FC Commits to Jharkhand Talent and Youth Development
Jamshedpur FC has reaffirmed its commitment to nurture local talent this season by providing opportunities to homegrown players and graduates of its youth system. The squad includes four local players from Jharkhand: Nikhil Barla (Khunti), Samir Murmu (Bada Banki), Amrit Gope (Hurlung), and Mobashir Rahman (Dhatkidih). Nikhil Barla, Mobashir Rahman and Amrit Gope are products of the JFC youth system, further showcasing the club’s investment in developing local talent.
In total, seven players from JFC’s youth academy (TFA) are part of the senior squad this season, including Vishal Yadav, Chawngthu Lalhriapuia, Sourav Das, and Pronay Halder. The club’s commitment to youth development is clearly evident with nearly 40% of the Indian players rising through the academy ranks.
The team will kick off its ISL campaign with an away match against FC Goa on September 17, followed by its first home game on September 21 at the JRD Sports Complex against Mumbai City FC.
Jamshedpur FC Squad for ISL 2024-25:
Goalkeepers:
Albino Gomes, Ayush Jena, Vishal Yadav, Amrit Gope
Defenders: Lazar Cirkovic (Serbia), Stephen Eze (Nigeria), Pratik Chaudhari, Ashutosh Mehta, Wungngayam Muirang, Muhammed Uvais, Shubham Sarangi, Nikhil Barla
Midfielders: Rei Tachikawa (Japan), Javier Hernandez (Spain), Pronay Halder, Mobashir Rahman, Sourav Das, Samir Murmu, Chawngthu Lalhriapuia, Imran Khan, Mohammed Sanan K, Seiminlen Doungel, Sreekuttan VS, Aniket Jadhav, Ritwik Das
Forwards: Jordan Murray (Australia), Javier Siverio Toro (Spain), Manvir Singh
Head Coach: Khalid Jamil
Assistant Coach: Steven Dias
