Odisha FC have signed the services of Malaysian international Liridon Krasniqi on loan deal ahead of the eighth season of the Hero Indian Super League. The midfielder will make the move to Bhubaneshwar-based club from Johor Darul Ta’zim FC.

Krasniqi started his football journey in Europe and played for FK Mladá Boleslav in Czech Republic in 2011. Interestingly, Krasniqi has represented three national teams. He has played for Albanian Under-21 team, Kosovo senior team and then made his debut for Malaysia earlier in 2021.

Liridon moved to Malaysia in 2015 and played for Kedah Darul Aman Football Club. He also won the Malaysia Cup in 2016 and then won Malaysia FA Cup in 2017 with the club. Subsequently, he made a move to Maleka United in 2019.

After signing for the Club, he said, “I am really delighted to join Odisha FC and I am looking forward to starting an amazing journey in India. I hope it will be a great season ahead under Head Coach Kiko Ramirez. I can’t wait to get started and meet my teammates at OFC. We will try and bring joy for all the Odisha fans in the upcoming [Hero] ISL.”

OFC Head Coach Kiko Ramirez explained, “Liridon is going to give us character, attitude and intensity. He is a player with a high physical capacity and has good technique. He is a box-to-box midfielder who can help us both in attack and in defence and will give us the energy that the team needs to fight for the entire duration of 90 minutes.”

Odisha FC Club President Mr Raj Athwal said, “We are pleased to welcome Malaysian International Liridon Krasniqi to Odisha Football Club. An imposing midfielder who is also adept in defence, he adds further depth and quality to the squad.”

Odisha FC had finished the previous season as wooden spooners as they could only manage two wins from 20 matches. Thus, Liridon will aim to help the team in turning the tables in the eighth season of the tournament.