Chennaiyin FC has signed the services of Lijo Francis and Jockson Dhas ahead of the ninth season of the Hero Indian Super League. This will be the maiden contract for these two players in the tournament and they have signed a two-year deal that will keep them in the club till the end of the 2024 season.

Both of these players will make a move from Bhopal-based club Madan Maharaj. Jockson Dhas is a midfielder whereas Lijo Francis is a defender and thus both of them will look to add value to Marina Machans ahead of the new season.

Francis has the experience of playing at a month-long training camp in Madrid which was organized by the Spanish club AD Alcorcon. The defender has played 11 matches in his professional career so far in which he has scored a goal.

Francis is delighted to join hands with Marina Machans as he said, “I am happy to join the Chennaiyin FC family and I am excited to play in front of the fans. This is my first time playing for a club in the ISL and I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”

On the other hand, Dhas started his professional career with the Lions back in 2019 and has the experience of playing 32 matches so far.

“I’m so excited to play for Chennaiyin FC, a club from my hometown, in front of the Tamil Nadu fans. I will give my best for these fans and this team,” Dhas said.

Meanwhile, Mumbai City has signed the services of wing-back Sanjeev Stalin, the club announced on Monday. However, the amount wasn’t disclosed by both parties.

Stalin played eight matches for Kerala Blasters in the previous season and started in five of them.