Indian Super League franchisee Mumbai City FC have confirmed the signings of Spanish midfielder Juan Aguilera Nunez and Irish defender Darren O'Dea.
The Mumbai-based ISL outfit made headlines following the signing of India talisman Sunil Chhetri in the ISL 2015 Player Auction on 10 July for a whopping sum of ₹1.20 crore.
And the side have now looked forward into the international market to snap up footballers, who can give the side the much-needed edge in the ISL 2015.
Nunez, 29, played for Greek Club Platanias F.C. from 2012 to 2015, making 82 appearances and scoring 2 goals. In 2008 he was transferred to Real Murcia, and he made his debut with the first team in 2010, against Elche CF.
Mainly a box to box midfielder, the Spaniard is rated as a good team player and he is also very sharp on the pitch - linking the defense, midfield and attack with élan.
"The ISL has become extremely popular back in Spain and there was a lot of buzz in the football world about [Nicolas] Anelka joining Mumbai City FC in the inaugural season of the ISL last year," the Madrid-born player told the Mumbai side.
"I am really pleased to have joined Mumbai City FC and I am looking forward to a new experience to play in India and for Mumbai, I believe that the club set up is thoroughly professional and welcoming and I am excited to make an impact."
For Darren, it will be a new experience altogether, and he is looking forward to getting started with his playing boots in India.
The experienced 28-year-old defender, who is a Celtic youth product, has represented Ireland at under-21 and senior level, earning 20 caps since his 2009 debut. He started his career with Celtic in the 2006–07, and has since then, lifted the Scottish Premier League twice, Scottish Cup, and the Scottish League Cup.
Known to be a strong defender and acknowledged for his fantastic aerial duels, the defender has been brought into the club "to be a leader, address defensive concerns from last season and have a positive influence in the dressing room", stated the club's press release.
"It will be a new experience, a new chapter, I've spoken to players who played in the ISL last year and it was fantastic," Darren said.
"It is another experience and something I'm looking forward to getting started here, I am going to give my 100% to ensure the team has a successful campaign in the second season of the ISL. India is a fascinating country and I would like to learn more about the footballing environment in the country."
Mumbai City FC begin their campaign in the ISL 2015 against FC Pune City on 5 October. The side is coached this season by French great Nicolas Anelka - who is also the marquee player of the side.