The Jamshedpur FC backline seems set to miss the towering presence of Stephen Eze.

The Nigerian international centre back will not be a part of the Jamshedpur FC in the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL).

It is understood that the 27-year-old Eze is not keen to play the cash-rich ISL even though JFC is keen to sign him up. Eze is looking to play in the more lucrative European circuit and his agent is in talks with some clubs abroad.

Eze was the second foreign centre back for Jamshedpur along with captain Peter Hartley, an Englishman. He played 20 ISL matches and scored four goals.

Sources in the know revealed that JFC was still holding talks with the right-footed Eze but he has set his priority of playing in the European circuit. "We don't think Eze will be with us in the ISL this time. Though his one-year contract has come to an end but we are keen to have him with us. But it seems all over," one of the sources said.

Unlike ISL, European circuit has more visibility and lucrative. "Moreover, Eze is serious to play for the national side of Nigeria and playing for European Clubs would help him in this direction," the source added on condition of anonymity.

Jamshedpur FC chief executive officer Mukul Choudhari said Eze may not be in their side for the ISL. "He (Eze) is an asset for any side. Eze is a solid defender and is also very good at set pieces. We are still in talks with him but he is keen to turn out in the European circuit," he added.

Eze is an international with the Nigerian national team having represented them 13 times since his debut in 2016. In May 2018, he was named in Nigeria’s preliminary 30-man squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but did not make it to the final 23. His Super Eagles side finished runner-up in the African Nations Championship in 2018 with Eze playing all six games.

The defender has been playing with Lokomotiv Plovidiv in the Bulgarian top division for the past four seasons. He won the Bulgarian Cup in the 2018-19 season with Lokomotiv and represented them in the Europa League 2019-20 in four games.

The 6’6” Eze is excellent in positioning and anticipation and calm while distributing the ball. His dominance in the air in defending was an asset for Jamshedpur. He is of high quality in attacking set pieces, which reflects in his 3 goals in the 2018-19 season for Lokomotiv.