Weekly Transfer Roundup: Rahul Bheke to Mumbai City, Lakra extends stay

The Indian market saw a lot of activity from the clubs in the past week.

The past week in Indian football saw a lot of transfers from the clubs trying to prepare for the upcoming season. New seasons of the Indian Super League and I-League are set for a start later this year. The ongoing transfer window presents the perfect opportunity for Indian football clubs to prepare for the next season.

Football clubs are identifying the weak points in their armoury and bringing in players to reinforce those areas. Similar to the previous weeks, the past one was also full of action. From major signings, to contract renewals and departures, the past seven days saw it all. 

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Here is the weekly roundup of all the activity that took place in terms of transfers in Indian football:

Indian Super League

NorthEast United

Kwesi Appiah has left NorthEast United to join Crawley Town in England. The striker signed for the Highlanders last season and scored three goals in eight appearances. He joins the fourth tier English club on a season-long deal with an option for another year.  

The Highlanders have signed Sehnaj Singh on a two-year contract. The former SC East Bengal player featured only six times during the 2020/21 season. The 28-year-old will be looking to make a mark in the ISL and impress his new employers.

NorthEast United also announced the contract extension of Provat Lakra. The defender featured 11 times last season and was very impressive. The club have decided to offer him an extension because of his displays in the 2020/21 season. 

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NEUFC were very busy in the past week, as they also secured the services of Hernan Santana. The 30-year-old was a vital part of the Mumbai City team that won the ISL League Winners' Shield and title last season. He was on loan at MCFC from Sporting Gijon and now joins the Highlanders as a free agent. 

Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC have secured the signing of Komal Thatal. The 20-year-old gained attention during the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. However, he has yet to have a breakthrough season in the ISL. The winger has signed a three-year contract with the Men of Steel. Thatal could finally fulfill his potential and make one of the starting places in the lineup.

The Men of Steel also brought in Anas Edathodika. The veteran defender has previously played for JFC during the 2017/18 season. “It’s great to be back with Jamshedpur. I had a good experience in my previous season here, where I felt the unconditional love of the fans. I look forward to the new season and want to achieve success for the fans,” the 34-year-old expressed.

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Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC have brought in Polish striker Lukasz Gikiewicz on a one-year deal. The Marina Machans are among the Indian football clubs making notable transfers and bringing foreign players that will play ISL football for the first time. Gikiewicz has previous experience of playing in Asia in countries like Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand and Bahrain. 

Kerala Blasters

Givson Singh has signed a contract extension with Kerala Blasters. The deal will keep him at the club until 2024. “I’m happy and proud to extend my stay here at Kerala Blasters. I’m looking forward to repaying their trust on the field, by committing my 100% for the team in the upcoming season,” the 19-year-old said.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Sandesh Jhingan has joined Croatian top tier club HNK Sibenik in a landmark move. The centre-back will become the first Indian to play in the Croatian first division after completing a move from ATKMB. The Indian international received the ‘AIFF Men’s Footballer of the Year 2020-21’ award for his performances last season.

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Mumbai City FC

Reigning ISL champions Mumbai City have confirmed the signing of Rahul Bheke. The Indian international has completed a move from Bengaluru FC on a two-year contract until the end of the 2022-23 campaign. Bheke has over 92 appearances in the ISL and joins to shore up the Islanders' defence. 

I-League/ I-League Qualifiers

FC Bengaluru United 

Sanju Pradhan has joined FC Bengaluru United from RoundGlass Punjab FC. The 31-year-old has signed a short-term deal with the Bengaluru-based club, who are in contention to play in the I-League Qualifiers. They are part of the 29 teams that have been proposed by the respective State associations to play in the I-League Qualifiers, but only 10 will be chosen.

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