Bengaluru FC in advanced talks with Jessel Carneiro over multi-year deal

The left-back is set to become a free agent after his contract with Kerala Blasters runs out this summer.

Bengaluru FC are in advanced talks with Jessel Carneiro. The Blues are likely to offer the left-back a multi-year deal to bolster their defensive ranks. The former Kerala Blasters club captain did not feature in the ongoing Hero Super Cup due to injury.

Bengaluru FC narrowly missed out on laying their hands on the Indian Super League, losing to ATK Mohun Bagan on penalties after a remarkable unbeaten run to the decider. Simon Grayson turned things around dramatically in 2023 and the players rode the wave of momentum with renewed belief. The Blues have made it to the Hero Super Cup semi-finals after topping Group A, following a 1-1 draw against Kerala Blasters.

About the player

Born in Goa, Jessel rose through the ranks and played for local sides Dempo S.C. in two separate stints, separated by a season on loan with Pune F.C. The 32-year-old captained the Goan football team to a semi-final finish in the 2018-19 Santosh Trophy.

Jessel made the switch to the Indian Super League with Kerala Blasters after the club paid a transfer fee to Dempo for the player's services. He made his ISL debut in the 2019 season and quickly established himself as a regular in the starting line-up. Jessel played every minute of his debut season and his displays earnt him a contract extension and a promotion to vice-captain.

Jessel eventually went on to captain the side in the 2020-21 season, following Sergio Cidoncha's injury. He was appointed as the permanent captain before the 2021-22 season.

A marauding left-back with the knack of being in the right place at the right time, Jessel went on to make 63 appearances for Kerala Blasters, battling a shoulder injury sustained in early 2022.

Bengaluru FC's season

Following a Durand Cup victory in pre-season, Bengaluru FC endured a difficult start to the Indian Super League, with injuries to foreign players hampering the club's progress in the beginning. Eventually, the Blues turned things around to make a third ISL finals appearance and had to overcome the heartbreak of a penalty shootout defeat. They have a chance to return to winning ways after making it to the 2023 Hero Super Cup semi-finals.

A proven performer ready to step in and contribute whenever required, Jessel Carneiro's experience should add to BFC's bench strength and squad depth.