Sahil Panwar signs for ISL winners Mumbai City FC

Left-Back will add cover for Akash Mishra, who has been ruled out with a long-term injury.

Akash Mishra sustained an ACL injury before the ISL 2023-24 final, which Mumbai City FC won after defeating Mohun Bagan. This injury has ruled him out for the entirety of 2024. Petr Kratky, who joined the club midway through the season, replacing Des Buckingham (who moved to League 1 team Oxford United in December 2023), had a significant impact on the squad, particularly the Indian players who played crucial roles in winning the ISL title.

Now, Kratky faces the challenge of rebuilding the team, as 12 first-team players, including Apuia, Rahul Bheke and Jorge Pereyra Diaz, have left the club.

Strategic signings & squad depth

The City Group-owned club have done well with the signings of Brandon Fernandes, Jon Toral and Jérémy Manzorro, who are expected to go straight into the playing XI.

Additionally, they have signed four more players, including TP Rehenesh, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Hardik Bhatt, to enhance squad depth.

With Akash Mishra ruled out for 2024, the club needed depth and quality in the left-back position, as only Sanjeev Stalin remained as a natural left-back.

Despite his participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 for India, Stalin is yet to fulfill his potential and played just two minutes of first-team football in the league, even after Mishra was ruled out of the semi-final second leg against FC Goa and the final against Mohun Bagan. Kratky preferred Mehtab Singh, a centre-back, over Stalin.

Since then, Mumbai City FC has been in the market for a new left-back and have finalized Sahil Panwar to fill the gap left by Mishra’s injury.

Sahil Panwar: A promising addition

As per sources, “Mumbai City has agreed terms and conditions with Super Cup winner Sahil Panwar, and has signed a 1+1 deal with the left back.”

The 24-year-old Sahil Panwar played a key role for India U-20s in their win over Argentina U-20s in the Cotif Cup in 2018 and has regularly featured in Indian club football. Panwar has experience in 67 ISL matches with Hyderabad FC, Odisha FC and FC Pune City.

Dehradun-born Panwar saw his game-time decrease last season with Odisha FC and hopes this move will allow him to put his career back on track and represent India at the senior level.

Preparing for a busy season

Mumbai City FC are set to travel to Thailand for pre-season in the last week of July, where they will prepare for ISL 2024-25. They will send their ‘B’ team to the Durand Cup 2024.

Incoming Players

The club have bolstered their squad with several new signings. Brandon Fernandes, TP Rehenesh, Noufal PN, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Jérémy Manzorro, Hardik Bhatt and Jon Toral have all joined Mumbai City, adding both depth and quality to the team.

Outgoing players

Mumbai City FC have seen several players depart as they prepare for the new season. Key players like Rahul Bheke, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Vinit Rai, Alberto Noguera, Mohammad Nawaz, Yakub Vojtus, Gurkirat Singh, Bhaskar Roy, Rowlin Borges, Tondonba Singh, Naocha Singh and Lalengmawia Ralte have left the club.

Contract Extensions

In addition to the new signings, Mumbai City have also secured contract extensions for several important players. Valpuia, Tiri, Jayesh Rane and Lallianzuala Chhangte have all extended their contracts, ensuring stability and experience within the squad.

With these strategic signings, departures, and contract extensions, Mumbai City FC is well-positioned to build on its success and face the challenges of the upcoming season.

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