OFFICIAL: Jamshedpur FC rope in defender Eli Sabia from Chennaiyin FC

Brazilian defender Eli Sabia has completed his move from Chennaiyin FC to Jamshedpur FC, after putting in an impressive performance last season for the South Indian franchise.

Eli Sabia was one of the crucial players for Chennaiyin FC throughout the past three seasons, but will now be reuniting with former coach Owen Coyle, who had a great run with Chennaiyin FC as they reached the ISL final in 2019-20.

Eli Sabia will be reuniting with former coach Owen Coyle at Jamshedpur FC next season

Owen Coyle had joined Jamshedpur FC last year from Chennaiyin, and was followed by Chennaiyin’s leading goal-scorer Nerijus Valskis and defender Laldinliana Renthlei, with Sabia now doing the same.

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Jamshedpur finished at sixth last season, four points behind the fourth placed FC Goa and will be determined to play in the playoffs for the first time, as they already prepare to strengthen their contingent, and continue to look for two more foreign players.

✅️ [ DONE DEAL ]: Jamshedpur FC are all set to announce the signing of Brazilian defender Eli Sabia from Chennaiyin FC. ?? @MarcusMergulhao @toi #JFC #SFTBL pic.twitter.com/b70vo8VCuT
— Sevens Football (@sevensftbl) July 9, 2021

Forward Valskis has his contract running with the club with John Hartley extending his stay at the club and Jordan Murray will be joining them from Kerala Blasters, as Eli Sabia is confirmed as their fourth foreigner for the upcoming ISL season.

Sabia had featured in 19 of Chennaiyin’s 20 group games in the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) last season. In the 2019-20 season, Brazilian Sabia started 19 of the 21 games for the Chennai based club, as they strung together an eight-game unbeaten streak after Coyle took over from John Gregory and completed an extraordinary run to reach the finals.

Eli Sabia is a left-sided centre-back, playing in the same position as Peter Hartley, who renewed his contract at Jamshedpur to extend his stay. However, coach is confident that Sabia can make the adjustment and will be a perfect fit in the side and prove to be a good addition.

“Coyle is a big admirer of Eli Sabia and believes he will add to the team’s strength considerably. It’s no surprise that they will be working again (at Jamshedpur),” a close source said about Sabia’s transfer.

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