ISL 2020-21 | Chennaiyin FC secure services of Enes Sipovic from Qatar side Umm Salal
Enes Sipovic played for Qatari side Umm Salal in the previous season
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Chennaiyin FC have roped in Bosnia and Herzegovina based stopper Enes Sipovic on a free transfer from Qatar side Umm Salal. The footballer is the third signing of the two-time champions this season, with the two-time champions already roping in Reagan Singh and Chhuantea Fanai earlier.
Chennaiyin FC surprised everyone by their late resurgence in the previous edition of the Indian Super League under the stewardship of Owen Coyle, which earned them a runner-up finish. In spite of the great result, the manager moved to Jamshedpur FC, while their star striker Nerijus Valskis also followed suit. Apart from the signing of Reagan Singh and Chhuantea Fanai, they have been subdued in the transfer market so far. But, with the new season a couple of months away, the management has finally shown some urgency by roping in Bosnian centre-back Enes Sipovic from Qatari side Umm Salal.
“I am very happy to be part of such a beautiful club. I have been following Chennaiyin since its very first season in 2014 under Marco Materazzi, and I am aware that it is a team that has a tremendous fanbase and is incredibly successful. I am already very excited for the new season. It will be a great experience, I am sure,” said Enes Sipovic, after completing the formalities.
The footballer made his senior debut for Romanian side Otelul Galati, a club where he played for five seasons, before making a move to Belgian side Westerlo. Following which he played for a couple of clubs in Morocco and then shifted loyalties to Saudi Arabian side Ohod in 2018. Enes moved back to Bosnia in 2019, donning Željezničar Sarajevo’s jersey for one year, before he was roped in by Qatar Stars League side Umm Salal last year.
“Enes has all the qualities to succeed at CFC and in the ISL. He is an imposing presence in the air with his height and is extremely comfortable with the ball at his feet. I am sure he will strike a great partnership with Eli Sabia in defense and will be the perfect addition to our squad in terms of guiding our Indian defenders as well. He has experience of playing in Asia, specifically in more extreme conditions like in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which I am certain will hold him in good stead in India,” said Chennaiyin FC coach Csaba Laszlo.
Bosnia-Herzegovina 🇧🇦 ✈️ Chennai 🇮🇳
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) September 21, 2020
Welcome, Enes Sipović! 💙#VanakkamEnes #ChennaiyinFDFS pic.twitter.com/bwRRijuhQv
