Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2023-24), Mumbai City FC have roped in midfielder Abdenasser El Khayati on a one-year deal, the club announced on Friday.
El Khayati who was a free agent after leaving Chennaiyin FC will now continue his Indian Super League (ISL) journey with the Islanders, adding more flair to their attack that already consists of players like Greg Stewart, Alberto Noguera, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Bipin Singh and Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
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The Dutchman was one of the most delightful players to watch last season as he weaved his magic on the pitch. He scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 12 matches that he played for Chennaiyin FC last season.
With the Islanders also featuring in the AFC Champions League, the addition of El Khayati will strengthen their squad significantly to take on the twin challenges of Asia and ISL.
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Born in the Netherlands, the 34-year-old spent six seasons in the Dutch top flight and also spent four seasons in English third and second-tiers. His most impressive season came in the 2018-19 Dutch Eredivisie where he scored 17 goals in 35 matches for ADO Den Haag.
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Mumbai City FC will begin their ISL campaign on September 24 when they travel to Guwahati to face NorthEast United FC but will be in action six days earlier in the AFC Champions League when they welcome Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran at Pune’s Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports stadium which will be their home ground for their Asian adventure.
Nasser El-Khayati said, “I’m very excited to start a new chapter in my career with one of the most successful clubs in India. Mumbai City have a strong squad, great ambitions and play beautiful football, and when the club approached me to join them, it was an easy decision to make. A big season awaits us ahead and I am looking forward to joining up with the coach Des and the teammates.”
Des Buckingham said, “Nasser is a gifted player with great vision and technical ability. His intelligence and versatility on the pitch are some of his best traits and were on show for everyone to see during his time in India last season. Nasser not only adds depth but quality to our squad and he will have a vital role to play in the squad as we prepare for a challenging season ahead. I’m happy to welcome him to Mumbai City and I’m looking forward to working with him.”