Jamshedpur FC set to sign Nishu Kumar after confirming Jayesh Rane for upcoming season

Jamshedpur FC is likely to sign Indian full-back Nishu Kumar and after confirming the arrival of Jayesh Rane for the upcoming season.

The club is at an advanced stage of negotiations with Nishu, who was spotted training with the Jamshedpur FC squad, as confirmed by Sportstar.

Nishu, a product of the AIFF Elite Academy, made his senior debut with then-I-League side Bengaluru FC in 2015. He spent five seasons with the Blues, winning four trophies—the Indian Super League (ISL), the I-League, the Federation Cup, and the Super Cup—before moving to Kerala Blasters.

He helped the Blasters reach the 2022 ISL final but left for East Bengal in 2023, where he won the Super Cup a year later—the club’s first trophy in 12 years.

ALSO READ | East Bengal completes quota of foreign signings; Jay Gupta joins EBFC from FC Goa

“Thank you, East Bengal FC. It has been a privilege to wear the red and gold and be part of such a historic club,” Nishu wrote on social media. “Grateful to the coaches, teammates, staff, and especially the fans who stood by us throughout. Getting to experience the football culture here up close has been truly special. There are so many moments I will always cherish.”

Meanwhile, Rane joined Jamshedpur on a free transfer after being released by Mumbai City FC. The 32-year-old is a three-time ISL Cup winner—with Chennaiyin FC (2015), ATK (2019-20), and Mumbai City (2023-24)—and also won the I-League (2016-17) and the Durand Cup with ATK.

Rane’s biggest moment in the ISL came at Mumbai City, where his two assists, coming on as a substitute in the 2023-24 semifinal against FC Goa, sparked a 3-2 comeback win.

Rane will reunite with coach Jamil at Jamshedpur, under whom he had won the I-League.

Both the players are expected to sign short-term contracts with Jamshedpur FC. The club remains hesitant in committing to long-term term contracts for new signings this summer due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ISL.