Shillong Lajong set to sign defender Manjit Sharma

The defender was part of FC Bengaluru United last season.

The 27-year-old defender from Manipur, Manjit Sharma is on the brink of signing a one-year deal with Shillong Lajong, Khel Now can confirm. This move marks a fresh chapter in Sharma's professional journey after his previous stint with Bengaluru United in the preceding season.

A source tracking the move informed Khel Now this morning, "Manjit Sharma has been playing well for quite some time now. This year he will be signing for Shillong Lajong. His deal is expected to be completed in another few days."

Manjit Sharma's Journey in Indian Football

Sharma's voyage into the realm of professional football commenced with NEROCA FC, where he inked his inaugural senior contract. He represented the I-League side during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, during which his performances hinted at considerable promise.

In 2022, Sharma embarked on a new venture with Sudeva Delhi FC, where he made 10 appearances before making another move, this time to Bengaluru United. Despite these transfers, Sharma's playing time remained limited, and he faced the ongoing challenge of establishing himself as a dependable presence in the defensive line-up.

Shillong Lajong's Ambitions in the I-League

Shillong Lajong, currently plying their trade in the I-League, earned their place in the competition after securing promotion from the 2022–23 I-League Second Division. The club has built a reputation for nurturing young talents and affording them opportunities to shine on the national stage. Recent acquisitions such as Wungngayam Muirang and Lalthuammawia Ralte underscore their commitment to assembling a competitive squad.

However, Manjit Sharma's signing injects a sense of certainty into the team's defense. Despite his limited playing time in recent seasons, Shillong Lajong is taking a calculated gamble on Sharma's potential. The upcoming I-League season is poised to be a defining test for Sharma as he endeavors to validate his credentials as a defender.

While Sharma has showcased flashes of his talent in the past, he has yet to cement his status as a reliable defensive force. As the 27-year-old integrates into his new team, all eyes will be on him to ascertain if he can rise to the challenge and secure a permanent place in the starting line-up. His contributions will be pivotal to Shillong Lajong's ambitions in the I-League, and fans eagerly await the unfolding of this exciting chapter in his career.