Chennai, Aug 16 (FN Bureau) Chennaiyin FC has made a notable addition to their squad with the signing of 26-year-old defender Vignesh Dakshinamurthy on a four-year contract. The move is part of the club’s strategic efforts to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season.Primarily a left-back, Dakshinamurthy brings additional versatility to Chennaiyin’s defense, having also played in midfield. His signing marks the 12th addition to Chennaiyin’s squad this summer, joining the ranks alongside other new recruits such as Mandar Rao Desai and PC Laldinpuia.Head coach Owen Coyle welcomed Dakshinamurthy with enthusiasm, stating, “We are delighted to add another talented young Indian player to our team. Vignesh has demonstrated exceptional ability in the ISL, and we had to fend off strong competition from other clubs to secure his signature. We look forward to his contributions and to working with him closely.” Dakshinamurthy began his professional journey with Bengaluru’s Ozone FC, where he played for six years—three with the academy and three with the first team. His standout performances were instrumental in Ozone’s successful campaign in the 2018 I-League 2 Final Round. In 2018, he transitioned to Mumbai City FC, where he made over 60 appearances across various competitions.
His tenure with the Islanders was marked by significant achievements, including two ISL Shields (2021 and 2023) and an ISL Cup (2021). His dynamic style of play, characterized by explosive forward runs and solid defensive work, earned him a reputation as a key player.Following a five-year spell with Mumbai City, Dakshinamurthy joined Hyderabad FC for the 2023-24 season but made only six appearances before being loaned to Odisha FC in January 2024. At Odisha, he featured in 17 matches across all competitions. Expressing his excitement about joining Chennaiyin FC, Dakshinamurthy said, “It feels like coming home. I am truly happy and proud to represent both the city and Chennaiyin FC. I am aware of the rich culture of the city and the club, and I am committed to giving my best and contributing to the club’s success.” Dakshinamurthy also has international experience, having been part of the Indian squad that finished as runners-up at the 2018 SAFF Championship, further underscoring his footballing credentials. With Dakshinamurthy now on board, Chennaiyin FC looks poised for a promising season ahead, bolstered by the addition of a player with both domestic and international experience.