ISL: Lalthuammawia Ralte signs for Bengaluru FC

Lalthuammawia Ralte was previously a part of Bengaluru FC and played quite a number of games for them.

Lathuammawia Ralte was signed in 2022 by Odisha FC, but with just 10 appearances in the past two seasons, the goalkeeper had no choice but to look for a different club. As the 2023-24 season, came to a close, his contract ran out at Odisha FC and the goalkeeper now has a new destination.

Khel Now can exclusively confirm that Lalthuammawia Ralte has rejoined his former club Bengaluru FC, for whom he registered 56 appearances in the past. A source tracking the move informed Khel Now this morning, “Bengaluru FC needed a goalkeeper, with only Gurpreet Singh Sandhu a senior figure in the position at the club. Lalthuammawia Ralte was approached by the management and he has now signed a multi-year deal at the club.”

Ralte, a formidable keeper at least a few seasons back, enjoyed very less game-time at Odisha FC, mainly due to the presence of a remarkable Amrinder Singh. Moreover, Bengaluru FC have only Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as the main goalkeeper and need a backup, keeping in mind the hectic calendar ahead. They have Sahil Poonia, Amrit Gope and Vikram Lakhbir Singh as the backups, but the first two are pretty young and Vikram hasn’t enjoyed much presence in the ISL.

Thus to strengthen their goalkeeping department, the Blues’ management reached out to Lalthuammawia Ralte, who will now represent the Bengaluru-based outfit for the years to come. It was an easy decision for Ralte, who had been a member of Bengaluru FC in the past and playing whenever Gurpreet wasn’t in the scene. He will now reunite with his former teammates and expect to get more game-time in the upcoming seasons.

Surely, Ralte won’t be the first-choice, keeping in mind Gurpreet Singh Sandhu’s leadership and astute goalkeeping reputation. However, with the Durand Cup and Super Cup in mind, the management’s decision to rope in an experienced keeper like Ralte is justified.

Bengaluru FC’s preparations

Bengaluru FC are trying their level best to assemble a squad capable of winning the ISL. The Blues haven’t enjoyed much success in the past few years, with only a Durand Cup triumph and an ISL-final appearance to boast.

However, prior to the start of the 2024-25 season, they have already roped in Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Alberto Noguera, two brilliant players who played an active part in Mumbai City FC’s ISL 2023-24 success. Moreover, Mumbai City skipper Rahul Bheke is also making a switch to his former club. The management has also extended the contract of Aleksandar Jovanovic, as reported by Khel Now earlier.

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