Odisha FC start identifying foreigners - Reported to be in advance talk with Raphaël Messi Bouli
Indian Super League side Odisha FC are in advanced talks with Kerala Blasters forward Raphaël Messi Bouli, according to IFTWC.com. Odisha FC have been on a rebuilding job and have assembled an impressive young Indian squad. With the confirmation of coach Stuart Baxter, the club has started hunting for their foreign recruits and the Kerala Blasters forward is understood to be one of them.
Messi Bouli formed a lethal partnership with Bartholomew Ogbeche upfront last season and were one of the most lethal duo in the ISL. Together they scored 23 goals with the Cameroonian contributing eight of them with two assists. He was one of the few shining lights for the Yellow Brigade as they finished in the seventh spot with just four wins.
The 27-year-old started his professional career with FAP Yaounde in 2013 and has played for teams like Apejes FC, YB Funde, Foolad FC and Canon Yaoundé. Messi was part of the team from Apejes Academy that won the 2016 Cameroon Cup scoring fourteen goals in twenty-four league fixtures. He has also represented the Cameroon national side six times, scoring a solitary goal.
Odisha FC has been mostly investing in youth this season but with the striker position being one of the key areas on the pitch, the club has identified the experienced campaigner. Standing at 6’1’ tall, Messi will be the perfect target man for Stuart Baxter’s side.
Odisha is aiming for a top four finish after a patchy 2019-20 ISL campaign. While it is easier said than done, the club would be hoping that Messi would be the man to show them the way.
