Lalbiakhlua Jongte set to extend contract at Hyderabad FC

The young goalkeeper joined the club back in 2020.

Young goalkeeper Lalbiakhlua Jongte, who is more popular as Biaka among the fans, has agreed terms to pen an extension at Hyderabad FC. Although he made just one appearance in the ISL 2022-23 season, and too in the 2-3 loss to Jamshedpur FC, Jongte is a talented keeper and is far from his prime.

A source close to the development informed Khel Now, "Lalbiakhlua Jongte has agreed terms with Hyderabad FC. He will pen a two-year extension at the club. His contract was supposed to be over this month, but he has decided to continue at the club."

With Gurmeet Singh's future a doubt at Hyderabad FC, the Nizams aren't stopping in building their contingent just like they did a few years back. A few days ago, Khel Now revealed Hyderabad FC's signing of Aaryan Saroha, who was playing in Spain. And now with Jongte, who is a former Indian Arrows product, Hyderabad FC have two young goalkeepers confirmed ahead of the upcoming season.

Who is Lalbiakhlua Jongte?

From 2018 till 2020, Jongte was a part of the Indian Arrows. It was in 2020, when under the tutelage of Manolo Marquez, three young guns - Akash Mishra, Rohit Danu and Lalbiakhlua Jongte, signed for Hyderabad FC. Last season, he finally got a chance to show his skills in the Indian Super League. He played one match, the second last league stage game against Jamshedpur FC. Unfortunately, the Nizams lost the game 2-3.

However, in the Durand Cup 2022, Jongte appeared twice in the competition and successfully registered one clean sheet, which came against TRAU FC.

Hyderabad FC's preparations ahead of the upcoming season

Hyderabad FC have to perhaps build their contingent from almost scratch if not complete scratch. Apart from Joao Victor, all other foreigners have left. Two of them, Javier Siverio and Borja Herrera have completed their move to East Bengal. Head coach Manolo Marquez has left as well. He'll be joining FC Goa, who were in his hunt since last season.

Hyderabad FC ended the ISL 2022-23 season in the second place. However, they couldn't make it into the final, as they lost in the semi-finals to ATK Mohun Bagan.