Jamshedpur FC have confirmed the signing of experienced forward Suhair Vadakkepeedika on a free transfer, marking a reunion with former coach Khalid Jamil ahead of the 2025–26 season. The 32-year-old becomes the latest addition to the club’s all-Indian recruitment drive this summer.
Suhair, who was most recently with I-League side Gokulam Kerala, has signed a short-term contract similar to fellow new signings Nishu Kumar and Jayesh Rane. All three have joined on free transfers, as Jamshedpur FC continues to build a squad focused on Indian talent amid growing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League’s future.
The Kerala-born forward brings considerable experience, having played under Khalid Jamil at NorthEast United, where he was instrumental in the club’s historic unbeaten 11-game streak to the Indian Super League (ISL) 2020–21 semifinals. Suhair contributed seven goals and four assists in 38 matches during his time with the Highlanders.
His impressive form during that season earned him a national call-up under India head coach Igor Stimac, featuring in friendlies against Bahrain and Belarus in 2022.
Suhair’s domestic career also includes stints with both Kolkata giants. He won the I-League title with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the 2019–20 season and later lifted the Super Cup with East Bengal — the club’s first trophy in 12 years — during his second spell there.
However, his fortunes dipped last season after falling out of favour with East Bengal head coach Carles Cuadrat. He subsequently moved to Gokulam Kerala, where he made 17 appearances and registered three assists in the I-League.
On Monday, Suhair was seen training at the Flatlet, Jamshedpur FC’s pre-season base since July 13, alongside the rest of the squad. His arrival signals a continued commitment from the club to keep an Indian core intact, especially with the Durand Cup on the horizon.
The club has already released its three foreign players — Jordan Murray, Javi Hernandez, and Javier Siverio — and has made nine Indian signings so far in this window.
With the ISL’s long-term structure under review, Jamshedpur FC appears to be avoiding extended deals, instead focusing on short-term flexibility while reuniting trusted players with familiar coaching figures.
Suhair’s link-up with Khalid Jamil could reignite the forward’s career at a critical stage, as both look to make a mark in a changing landscape of Indian football.
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