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What's the story?
Former West Bromwich Albion striker Peter Odemwingie has denied Jamshedpur FC’s offer if reports from Goal India are to be believed. He is determined to continue his stint at Indonesian outfit Madura United.
Odemwingie, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion’s former striker, got a bid from Indian Super League's new entrant Jamshedpur FC which was obviously rebuffed by the striker because of the commitment to his current club.
In case you didn't know...
The 36-year-old has experience playing in the top flights of Europe. He has managed to make more than 400 senior level appearances in his career so far. The player is currently plying his trade at Madura United, who competes in Liga 1 in Indonesia.\
The heart of the matter
Steve Coppell invited him to be a part of the Men of Steel but the player was not willing to make a move. Although he denied the offer, he didn’t rule out a future opportunity to play in India’s most popular football league, saying: ‘We’ll see after this season.’
The Jamshedpur-based outfit have already completed the signing of seven overseas players, all of whom have been tested and proven their worth in ISL. They’ve already added Kervens Belfort, Sameegh Doutie, Memo, Tiri, Andre Bikey, Trindade Goncalves and Talla NDiaye.
The team’s attack would’ve looked fiercer even if Odemwingie had been signed. Despite signing some of the best players ISL has ever witnessed, Jamshedpur FC are still unhappy on being unable to pin down a marquee signing. The team, having been disappointed in their pursuit of the Nigerian after the player turned down their offer, are now in the search for another name who could be a valuable asset.
What's next?
The 2017-18 Indian Super League season kicks off on 17th November and all ten teams have gone about strengthening their squads for what will be the biggest ISL ever.
Author's take
Although Jamshedpur FC have roped in quite a few impressive players, Odemwingie could have been the club's biggest signing given his experience of playing in the Premier League and being fairly successful during his time there. However, the player hasn't yet closed the door on a move to India in the future, and that should be good news for all Indian football enthusiasts.
