Hyderabad FC have wrapped up a one-year deal for 30-year-old Spanish defender Odei Onaindia ahead of ISL 7.
Hailing from Basque Country, Odei was part of Athletic Bilbao’s academy during his formative years. He turned pro with another Basque Country club CD Basconia in 2008 and over the next few years represented a number of clubs from the region including a spell with Athletic Bilbao B in 2016.
Onaindia spent his career playing in the second and third tier of the Spanish league system with over 308 appearances coming in league and cup competitions in Spain.
Over the last two seasons, the centre-back was at CD Mirandés – a club he helped win promotion to the Segunda División (second tier) in the 2018-19 season. CD Mirandés also made it to the semis of the Copa del Rey last season with Odei featuring in both legs of the semis where they ended up losing to Real Sociedad.
Odei is a tough central defender. He has played consistently in all the teams that he was a part of. A good header of the ball, very strong and fast, and very good in marking. He always gives his best and plays at a good level.
In the last season, he was always present in the Mirandes line-up in their thrilling run to the Spanish Cup semifinal, so we expect him to bring in that experience.
Manuel “Manolo” Márquez Roca, Head Coach, Hyderabad FC.
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