Odisha FC extend defender Amey Ranawade's loan deal for one more season

Odisha FC have extended the loan deal of defender Amey Ranawade, thereby keeping him at the club for yet another season. The right-back joined the Kalinga Warriors on loan from Mumbai City FC in June last year.

The 26-year-old began his career with DSK Shivajians and has also represented FC Goa, Mohun Bagan and FC Bengaluru United over the years. Apart from being a part of the victorious Gaurs squad that clinched the 2019-20 ISL League Winners' Shield title, he also won the ISL double (Shield and Cup Trophy) with Mumbai City FC during the 2020-21 edition of the league.

Amey Ranawade had a memorable outing in his first season on a loan spell with Odisha FC, serving as one of the pivotal members of the set-up. He featured in 36 matches across all competitions for Sergio Lobera's men last season and was one of the stand-out players of the 2023-24 ISL in which he registered one goal, six assists, 29 interceptions and 35 successful tackles.

So near and yet so far for Odisha FC

From agonizingly losing the 2024 Indian Super Cup final against East Bengal FC at home to losing the opportunity of clinching their maiden ISL silverware despite leading the table for quite some time, fortunes did not favor Odisha last season.

At the continental stage, they finished on top of their group in the 2023-24 AFC Cup and reached the Inter-zone playoff semifinals, where they lost against the eventual winners Central Coast Mariners.

Although the Juggernauts qualified for the playoffs of the 10th edition of the ISL having finished fourth in the points table, they crashed out after having tasted a 3-2 (aggregate) defeat against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the two-legged semifinals.

Given Amey Ranawade's ISL experience and proven credentials, his loan extension will be a delightful news for Odisha FC who will continue their hunt for that elusive ISL silverware next season.