ISL 2016 | NorthEast United rope in Katsumi Yusa

Announcing the signing of the Japanese midfielder, NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham welcomed Yusa to the club and said that he will prove to be a secret weapon for the club in critical situations.

"It feels amazing to welcome Katsumi Yusa to NorthEast United Football Club. I have personally followed his game in the past few years and am completely convinced he would prove as our ace secret weapon in critical situations.

"In the Indian football scenario, Katsumi Yusa is a name that needs no introduction. Participating in key championships like Federation Cup, AFC Cup, I-League, he has always risen above challenge, outperforming himself at every critical match. With his appointment, we are affirmative for a spectacular show at the upcoming edition of ISL," said John Abraham, reported PTI.

Yusa is rated as one of the best overseas players in the I-League and has been playing for the Mariners since 2013. The Japanese midfielder is the eighth new signing by the Highlanders who will be coached by Brazilian Sergio Farias. They had signed Subrata Paul, Rowlin Borges, Sumit Passi, Nirmal Chettri, Shouvik Ghosh, Lallianzuala Chhangte and Jerry Mawihmingthanga earlier. The Guwahati-based side had finished 5th in the last edition of the ISL and missed out on a place in the semi-final by just two points.