Ravi Kumar and two others set to sign for RoundGlass Punjab

The players didn't enjoy much game-time in the ISL last season.

Goalkeeper Ravi Kumar, forward Pranjal Bhumij and defender Valpuia are set to sign for RoundGlass Punjab, Khel Now can confirm. A source close to the development informed Khel Now, “Ravi Kumar will be signing a multi-year deal with RoundGlass Punjab. Pranjal Bhumij and Valpuia, meanwhile will sign on loan from Mumbai City.”

All three of the players didn’t enjoy much game-time last season in the Indian Super League. Thus, a decision to join the I-League side is understood to be beneficial for both parties – players and the club.

About the players

Ravi Kumar didn’t enjoy a minute of gametime last season. In 2020/21, he made two appearances for Odisha FC. One of them came in the 6-5 win over SC East Bengal. Last season, during the winter transfer window, the goalkeeper was loaned out to Mumbai City. However, the custodian didn’t make it to the starting line-up at the Islanders. The 29-year-old keeper spent most of his time in the I-League. In the process, he played for Indian Arrows and Sporting Clube de Goa. In the Indian Super League, Kumar fared for NorthEast United and Odisha FC following a loan stint to Mumbai City as mentioned earlier.

Pranjal Bumij enjoyed only 19 minutes of game-time last season. He featured in the ISL, against NorthEast United. Also, later in the AFC Champions League, he came on as a substitute (against Al Shabab) for six minutes. Rising from the DSK Shivajians youth setup, Bhumij joined Mumbai City in 2017. Since then, he has enjoyed brief spells at the club, taking his overall ISL match tally to 23. Lastly, Valpuia who rose from the ranks of Aizawl FC, signed for Mumbai City in 2019. Since joining the club, the centre-back has featured only five times in the ISL.

RoundGlass Punjab’s preparation for the 2022/23 season

The club won’t be participating in the Durand Cup. They will feature in the I-League 2022/23 itself. A notable signing has happened in the form of Juan Mera a few days back. However, the retention of the foreign contingent is doubtful. Rumours claim Joseba Beitia to leave. With the addition of these three Indian lads, undoubtedly the club will prosper in the I-League. Last season they ended in the fifth spot. The club announced Ashley Westwood as the head coach prior to the season, but parted ways with him midway. Ed Engelkes was given charge of the side, whose mentorship helped RoundGlass Punjab to shower a decent performance on the pitch.