Three clubs that can sign Hira Mondal

The full-back is available on a free transfer after leaving Bengaluru FC.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Bengaluru FC and Hira Mondal recently went separate ways by mutual consent. The former East Bengal player was a new arrival at the club after impressing for the Red & Gold Brigade last season. There was a clear lack of game-time on offer for the left-back under Simon Grayson and the move comes as a step which would benefit both parties.

Now, the left-back is without a club and hence, a free agent. He can sign for any club without a transfer fee. There are several ISL clubs that are in need of a full-back! He has several qualities that can aid any ISL club in its respective ambitions.

Here are the top three clubs in the Indian Super League that are favourites to sign Hira Mondal.

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC are a tailor-made club for someone like Hira Mondal who is looking to grow as a player. He would enjoy a lot of game-time under Manolo Marquez who has a reputation for putting his faith in Indian players and developing them. 

As for the club, they are short on full-back options, particularly on the left flank. Manoj Mohammad is injured (as per sources) and Akash Mishra is the sole option in that position. If HFC signs Mondal, he will add depth to the team. The club and the player are a good match as Mondal is a hard-working operator, a profile that HFC prefers in the squad.

NorthEast United

NorthEast United are struggling this season. The club has lost all six of their opening games in the ISL 2022-23 season. Marco Balbul is finding it hard to lead the club in his first season as head coach. Reports suggest that the club is pondering to make significant backroom changes in order to stabilise the sinking ship.

Hira Mondal’s arrival would be a huge boost for the club, the squad and the fans. He has the quality to make the starting line-up straight away. The Highlanders need to reinforce their defence, having conceded 13 goals in six matches. Undoubtedly, the 26-year-old's fighting spirit will be something which will inspire the squad as a whole! 

East Bengal

A return to East Bengal could be the perfect next step for Hira Mondal in his career. The full-back played 16 matches for the outfit during the 2021-22 season. Despite a disappointing season for the club, the defender was one of the positives (if not the only one) and got the attention of Bengaluru FC.

Signing for the Blues was a huge step for Hira Mondal. However, apart from four Durand Cup 2022 appearances, the defender did not get the opportunity to make a name for himself.

However, a return to East Bengal is not that simple. With Stephen Constantine at the helm, it will be his call to agree to the transfer and he could be questioning the prospect of bringing Mondal back into the fray after his decision to not wait for the club earlier. The Red & Gold Brigade have struggled to keep the goals to a minimum in the ISL 2022-23 season and Mondal’s arrival could aid in strengthening the defensive department. 

Additionally, with Jerry Lalrinzuala currently injured, he can be a brilliant backup for the side!