Sandesh Jhingan ends second stint with Bengaluru FC after solitary season

The club announced the player's departure on social media.

Bengaluru FC have decided not to extend the contract of Sandesh Jhingan. He was signed on a one-year deal last summer after leaving Mohun Bagan Super Giant. The 29-year-old centre-back was an instrumental figure in the Blues' run to the Indian Super League and Hero Super Cup finals.

Jhingan got to grips in no time, and was an key factor in BFC's Durand Cup victory pre-season. He was one of the first names on the team sheet for Simon Grayson in an incredible season.

A stint with the Gaurs lies ahead

While the move is yet to be announced, FC Goa seem to have made a huge transfer statement by landing Sandesh Jhingan. After a dismal season under Carlos Pena, FC Goa will be looking to fight back immediately to the sharp end of the points table under Manolo Marquez.

The highly experienced Jhingan will be a vital cog in the setup for Goa, and is expected to be a leadership figure among a relatively young side. His contributions at the back will dictate how the side will perform, and he could be the ideal replacement at the heart of defence for Mohun Bagan Super Giant-bound Anwar Ali.

Succesful second tenure with BFC

Jhingan was announced as a BFC player in a very unique fashion, during the club's open training session ahead of the Durand Cup. As Grayson favoured a back-five, Jhingan often functioned as the sweeper, slotting in between the conventional centre-backs as the last line of defence.

He was supreme in the air and from last-ditch situations, notching up the highest number of clearances in the ISL with 117. The ever-present Jhingan kept things tidy and organized at the back and was the base for BFC's unbeaten run to the ISL finals.

He memorably slotted in the winning penalty during a nerve-wracking penalty shootout in the second leg of the semi-final against Mumbai City FC. While he is yet to score for an ISL club from open play, Jhingan found the back of the net for the Blue Tigers in the Tri-Nation series final.

Jhingan's departure leaves a gaping hole for Bengaluru FC to fill, as the club looks to build on from a solid season. Goa meanwhile have secured the services of a rock-solid centre-back, who is still at the peak of his powers.