ISL: Mumbai City FC reach agreement with Odisha FC over extension of Vinit Rai's loan deal

Indian Super League (ISL) side, Mumbai City FC has reached an agreement with fellow ISL side, Odisha FC over the loan extension of Vinit Rai, with the midfielder set to remain with the Islanders till the end of the 2022-23 season.

Rai who joined Odisha in the 2017 season, moved to Mumbai City on an initial year long loan in January 2022, making 10 appearances for the Islanders in the 2021-22 ISL season. He was also part of the club's historic second-place Group Stage finish at the 2022 AFC Champions League. He featured in five of the Islanders' six games at Asia's premier club competition earlier in April.

“The last six months of my career with Mumbai City were an important part of my learning curve as a footballer and I am pleased to add another season to my time with the club that has helped me grow. Being able to work with some of the finest players in the league and to be able to play at the highest level in Asia has given me plenty to build on in my first full season with Mumbai City," Rai said on his contract extension.

“Working with a coach and staff who believe in you really helps a player and playing under Des Buckingham has tremendously helped me progress both, as a footballer and as a person. I want to extend my gratitude to Odisha FC and thank the club and the staff for the support they’ve given me. Now, my sights are set on making the most of this opportunity that lies ahead of me and I hope to help the Mumbai City family achieve our goals and objectives.”

The 24-year-old who is a product of the Tata Football Academy has already played over 70 games in the ISL for the likes of Kerala Blasters, now defunct Delhi Dynamos and Odisha FC so far.