Triple Swoop – Odisha FC sign Edwin Sydney, Suhair VP & Tejas Krishna

Despite several worries about the preseason and preparations for the next ISL 2025/26 season, Odisha FC has bolstered its Indian core by signing three players on a free transfer. As per Marcus Mergulhao, the club has brought in former Chennaiyin FC midfielder Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, ISL veteran winger VP Suhair, and former Kerala Blasters youth back Tejas Krishna to back new head coach T G Purushothaman.

Odisha FC supporters have been kept in the dark for most of the previous ten months. The team did not compete in the Durand Cup or the Super Cup, their ISL participation was questionable for about two weeks, the players couldn’t get a pitch to train, and no venue has been guaranteed to host their home games. Despite all of this, the club has taken advantage of market possibilities and brought in three players who might provide them with depth, talent, and experience following the fact relegation has been introduced .

Midfield bolstered with Edwin Sydney

One amongst the three additions is the signing of former Chennaiyin FC and East Bengal FC midfielder Edwin Sydney Vanspaul. The midfielder is quite versatile and can feature anywhere in the midfield and can play as a fullback as well if needed. Edwin, once dubbed an engine in the midfield because of his knack to press and win ball back from opponents, has played only 124 minutes in the Indian Super League over the previous two years.

Odisha FC have signed former Chennaiyin FC midfielder Edwin Sydney.

However, given the club’s uncertainty and a lack of choices in the midfield with the departures of Raynier Fernandes, Ahmed Jahouh, and Hugo Boumous, they could not have found better options in the market on free transfers. Maybe they should have gone with Phalguni Singh, but Edwin will offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Odisha squad.

VP Suhair to replace Jerry Mawia

Although there were a couple of important departures like Amey Ranawade, Mourtada Fall, Diego Mauricio, but the most heartbreaking departure for the Juggernauts was Jerry’s decision to leave the club in the summer and join East Bengal FC. Jerry has been with the club since the Delhi Dynamos days and has been a constant presence on the right flank for the past six to seven years.

VP Suhair celebrating his goal for Northeast United FC

However, as players leave, it is critical that you replace them. And that is where they have brought in VP Suhair. Despite not having Jerry’s exact profile, Suhair is renowned for his agility and directness on the flanks, qualities he demonstrated when playing for Northeast United FC.

Suhair is already 33 years old, but he has a great deal of ISL expertise and could possibly do a decent job coming off the bench for 30 minutes regardless of his age. While Rahul KP is likely to be the primary pick for the right-wing spot, Suhair is a good option for a 13-game season.

Tejas Krishna re-unites with TG Purushothaman

When coaches change clubs, it’s normal that they sign a few players from their former team. Having been at Kerala Blasters for the past six years, Purushothaman would have surely had a closer look at Tejas who spent a few years playing for the U-18’s and reserves.

Tejas, who made his debut as a left-back, can also play right back, but he appears to be more comfortable playing at the center of the back four, evidenced by his recent involvement at Thrissur Magic FC during the 2025 Super League Kerala. Tejas, who is only 23 years old, can improve under TG Purushothaman, with whom he has a very close relationship because of their Kerala connection

Odisha FC have signed former Kerala Balsters youngster Tejas Krishna

With the departure of Fall, Amey Ranawade, Narender Gahlot, and Jerry Lalrinzuala, Odisha were looking for options in their defense. And, given Tejas’ flexibility, they have someone who can fill in all across the backline in the event of an injury. You can never rule out the possibility of him starting alongside Carlos Delgado at the back.

Odisha’s transfer window:

Although Carlos Delgado is the lone contracted foreigner, the team has done well in terms of local recruiting. They signed Saurabh Bhanwala, Lalrinfela, and Vanlalzuidika during the 2025 summer transfer window. With three additional acquisitions and the retentions of Thoiba, Saviour Gama, the Indian core seems respectable, and it remains to be seen whether TG Purushothaman can work his magic with the choices at his disposal.

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