I-League 2017-18: Chennai City sign Kim Dong Hyeon and Aleksandar Rakic

The Coimbatore-based outfit will be expecting to climb up the standings with their latest reinforcements

have roped in Kim Dong Hyeon and Aleksandar Rakic for the remainder of the ongoing season.

Kim, who is a Pohang Steelers youth product, is a direct replacement for Aman Talantbekov as the latter requested for a release reportedly due to his struggle to adapt to the Indian conditions.

The South Korean midfielder has represented Steelers in the 2016 edition of the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) where he faced teams such as Sydney FC, Guangzhou Evergrande and eventual champions Urawa Reds.

"I have heard that there are many good players playing in , especially with the big names plying their trade here in the (ISL)," said Kim.

"My stint has made me want to experience football outside of . It will be interesting for me to play alongside new teammates and pit my skills against the foreign players of other clubs. Chennai City FC deserves to be in a higher position and I am here to help the club achieve that,” he added.

Meanwhile, Aleksandar Rakic is no stranger to Indian football. The former Maziya SRC forward scored twice in the 5-2 win over in last season's where they also faced .

"I have played against Mohun Bagan (won twice against them) and Bengaluru (FC) last season. We ran Bengaluru close and were only denied a zonal semi-final spot based on head-to-head record. I have also watched the I-League games online in so you can say that my knowledge of the clubs and players is pretty good. I cannot wait to play my first game once my employment visa is approved," the Serbian commented.

The 31-year-old Rakic has acknowledged that filling in for Murilo Almeida, who recently parted ways with the club, will draw expectations but welcomes the new challenge.

"I don’t feel any pressure because I know what I am capable of when I am at my best. However, I cannot do this alone without the support of my teammates. I know Murilo has left big shoes for me to fill in so I will take this opportunity to showcase my quality in the remaining games. Just watch me," he concluded.

Chennai City host in an I-League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on Saturday afternoon.