India U-17 goalie Sahil Poonia signs long-term deal at Bengaluru FC

Sahil saved a penalty against Japan in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup last month.

In a major coup for Bengaluru FC, the club has secured the signing of young talent Sahil Poonia. The talented 17-year-old goalkeeper, has signed a five-year deal with Bengaluru FC, Khel Now can Confirm. Poonia, hailing from the Zinc Football Academy, has been making waves with his exceptional skills and was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper in the SAFF U-17 Championship in Sri Lanka.

“Bengaluru FC have won the race to sign India U-17 goalkeeper Sahil Poonia. There were three other clubs in the race for the player but the deal went in favour of Bengaluru FC. A five-year contract has been handed to him,” a source close to the development informed Khel Now.

Who is Sahil Poonia?

Sahil Poonia first rose to prominence during his national team debut in the SAFF U-17 Championship held in Sri Lanka. His performances in the tournament were nothing short of exceptional, catching the attention of scouts and fans alike. Notably, his remarkable saves played a pivotal role in India's successful qualification for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

Sahil Poonia's talent was also evident during the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. Notably, his crucial penalty stop in a tense match against Japan earned him a name.

Also against Vietnam and Uzbekistan, where India secured a draw and suffered a narrow defeat respectively, his decisive saves and consistent performances showcased his immense potential and garnered attention from several clubs looking to secure his services.

Bengaluru FC's preparations

Bengaluru FC's acquisition of Sahil Poonia comes as no surprise, given the young goalkeeper's exceptional talent and potential. Under the guidance of Simon Grayson, the club has been making strategic signings to strengthen their squad. The club's recent acquisitions, such as assistant coaches Renedy Singh and Neil McDonald, as well as the appointment of Bibiano Fernandes as the head coach for their reserve team, reflect their commitment to excellence and nurturing emerging talent.

Sahil Poonia's signing for Bengaluru FC is a beacon of hope for young footballers across India. It showcases that talent, hard work, and dedication can lead to remarkable opportunities, even at a young age. As he dons the colors of Bengaluru FC, Sahil will have the chance to further develop his skills, learn from experienced teammates and coaches, and make his mark in the highly competitive sport in India.