Rupert Nongrum joins NorthEast United FC on a free transfer

This will be the 26-year-old's second stint at the club.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit NorthEast United FC have completed the transfer of Indian midfielder Rupert Nongrum on a free transfer. It will be Rupert’s fifth season in the top-tier league after spending two seasons in the I-League.

Nongrum joins the Highlanders after a proper trial in the off-season. Marco Balbul gave him his share of chances during the pre-season friendlies and has finally decided to add the 26-year-old to his caravan. 

“NorthEast United have decided to sign Rupert Nongrum after conducting a proper trial. Rupert joins the team as a free agent midway through the 2022-23 season,” a source close to developments told Khel Now.

The source further revealed that the midfielder had interest from two I-league sides while he was appearing for his trial at NorthEast United.

“Rupert was doing his trial with NorthEast United amidst interest from two other I-League clubs,” said the source.

Rupert Nongrum’s career

The Meghalaya-born midfielder started his career with his state’s most high-profile club, Shillong Lajong FC in 2010 as an academy player. His good run of performances for the U29 side earned him a promotion to the first team.

He made his I-league debut for Lajong in 2015 and was a part of their squad until 2017. In 2016, Nongrum also completed a loan move to former ISL side Delhi Dynamos where he tasted top-flight football for the very first time.

After the completion of his contract with his boyhood club, Rupert signed for the then-defending champions ATK FC and made 12 appearances. He then moved to NorthEast United for a couple of seasons in 2018 and was a part of the historic side that made it to the knockouts for the first time in the club’s history.

In 2020, Nongrum joined RoundGlass Punjab FC and made 23 appearances and scored two goals across two seasons in the I-league.

And now, in 2022, he is back with NorthEast United for his third season with the club.

NorthEast United in ISL 2022-23

The Highlanders have had a forgetful start to the season. They’ve lost three out of three games and find themselves at the bottom of the table. They have conceded seven goals and have scored just one in three games. Moreover, Nigerian striker Sylvester Igboun has also left the club.