Indian Super League outfit NorthEast United FC has decided to part ways with Australian forward Tomi Juric ahead of the upcoming season, the club announced on Wednesday. Juric joined the Highlanders, replacing Brazilian striker Ibson Melo during the winter transfer window.

The 33-year-old from Sydney had a small but impactful stint with the club, scoring five goals in six matches of the previous season. Juric had joined NorthEast United after playing for clubs like Melbourne Victory, Macarthur, and Adelaide United.

Juric impressed one and all as he scored a brace against East Bengal FC in the team’s victory while playing away. The Australian continued his rich form as he scored another brace against the potent Mohun Bagan Super Giant. But he suffered an injury, which ruled him out at the fag end of the tournament.

“Tomi Juric is a part of the family. Juric finished his contract on May 31st. The club and the owner of the club tried all the ways to keep him in the club. The offer they made for him is, I think, the best offer the club ever gave. But he has a personal interest. He wants to stay in Europe, near his family. For now, he said that this is his priority and not NorthEast United FC.”

“Open arms; this is his house if he wants to come back. But at that moment, he said, No, I need to search to stay near my family in Europe. This is his choice, and we can’t go against the choice of one of our brothers,” he further added.

In other transfer-related news, Aritra Das has left Kerala Blasters FC to join Inter Kashi before the new season.

Kerala Blasters FC wrote in their social media post, “Aritra Das will be joining Inter Kashi as part of a transfer agreement that includes a buy-back option, keeping future possibilities open for the Club. This move prioritizes valuable match time at this stage of Aritra’s development and career. Best of luck, Aritra!”