NEROCA FC sign former Leganes U-23 starlet Aryan Gupta

The 21-year-old is a versatile attacking player and can act as a utility man for the Orange Army.

NEROCA FC have managed to rope in former Leganes U-23 starlet Aryan Gupta into their team for the upcoming I-League season. The 21-year-old attacker gained a reputation for becoming only the fourth Indian to play in Spain, when he was signed by Spanish second division side AD Alcorcon in 2017.

Gupta has been a bright young player since his days in school football, as he represented his institution in many national competitions and impressed scouts all around. After spending a season with Alcorcon, he then moved to UB Conquense U-23 side before being acquired by former LaLiga side Leganes' U-23s.

After gaining some precious experience of playing in Europe, Gupta has returned to make his mark in Indian football. The youngster will have to test himself in the I-League next season, but could get a perfect opportunity to win over the Indian Super League (ISL) sides’ attention with his work.

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He is a versatile attacking player who can play virtually anywhere across the frontline. Being able to play on either wings, as an attacking midfielder and as a makeshift striker will definitely help him be the utility man for Gift Raikhan's side. NEROCA have given a platform to many promising youngsters to break through in recent years and they’re hoping to shine through another potential gem in Aryan Gupta.

The exciting attacker has become another promising youngster NEROCA have signed up before the start of the I-League season, after roping in Akbar Khan (the younger brother of midfielder Imran Khan) for the season. The Northeast side have become famous for producing some top young talent, with the likes of Ronald Singh and Pritam Singh gaining prominence with the Orange Army initially.

While NEROCA are still building their side for the I-League season, which is expected to start towards the end of the year, Gupta’s signing will definitely be a big one in their eyes. The 21-year-old comes with the experience of playing abroad and would add something unique to their Indian contingent.

After coming up short in the I-League title race over the past few years, NEROCA FC will hope that Aryan Gupta acts as their shining young gun this season and plays a role in helping them compete at the top of what is guaranteed to be a different, more competitive I-League this time around.