ISL: NorthEast United FC sign Mauritanian international Khassa Camara

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit NorthEast United FC have bagged the signature of French-born Mauritanian midfielder Khassa Camara ahead of the new ISL season, the club has confirmed on Thursday. The 27-year-old joins the Highlanders on the back of five years in Greece at GS Ergotelis and then Ao Xanthi, making 94 appearances for the latter in four seasons.

Northeast United's executive director Priya Runchal said in a statement: "Camara is a proven player both at the club and international level and he will add quality to our midfield. His versatility was a big draw while making the transfer decision and we are confident he will do well for us in the season ahead."

Camara said on his move to ISL, "This is going to be my first experience in Asia, and I would like to thank the club for giving me an opportunity to be a part of this team. I cannot wait to get started on the pitch and will look to deliver the goods for the club and it’s amazing fans."

https://twitter.com/NEUtdFC/status/1309098044714037251

The midfielder, who featured in the 2019 African Cup of Nations for his country, becomes the first foreign signing by the club since appointing Gerard Nus as the new head coach in August. The versatile defensive midfielder, who can play multiple positions in midfield and can also slot in at right back, joins a side which is lacking in confidence after a poor 2019-20 campaign.

They finished second from bottom after recording just 2 wins in 18 matches, conceding 30 goals in the process. The talented Mauritanian will therefore have his task cut out to make an immediate impact in the middle of the park. However, this being his first foray in Asia, it remains to be seen how he copes with the humid weather and playing conditions in Goa.

Although the NEUFC squad is yet to take full shape, this signing signals a positive intent from the management after a rather quiet summer that saw only a handful of domestic arrivals in the form of Surabuddin Mollick, Ponif Vaz, Rochharzela, Nabin Rabha and Lalkhawpuimawia. With names like ATK Mohun Bagan’s Jayesh Rane linked for a move and coach Nus yet to zero in on his foreign recruits, the last few weeks of the transfer window look promising for the fans as we build up to the start of the league in November.