Official: ATK Mohun Bagan rope in centre-back Sandesh Jhingan

The 27-year-old India international was a free agent after leaving Kerala Blasters by mutual consent earlier this year.

ATK Mohun Bagan have secured a big coup ahead of the Indian Super League (ISL) season by signing experienced India international Sandesh Jhingan on a multi-year deal. After spending the last season on the sidelines due to injury, Jhingan moved on from Kerala Blasters during the summer and.

The 27-year-old comes as a major defensive reinforcement for Antonio Habas’ side, after Anas Edathodika left the club recently. Jhingan has prominently featured in the ISL for the past few years.

While the experienced centre-back had attracted interest from other clubs, he has decided to join up with the Kolkata giants to embark a new journey in his career. A two-time ISL runner-up with Kerala Blasters, he will now want to help the defending champions retain their crown and more importantly shine for them in the AFC Cup next year.

The recently adjudged Arjuna Award winner has made over 75 appearances in his ISL career and been one of the more consistent players over the years. He won the ISL ‘Emerging Player of the Year' title in 2014 and has since become a cornerstone of the league, with his dominant performances at the back.

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Apart from his heroics in the league, Jhingan also brings a ton of experience from his ventures with the Indian national team. He’s made over 40 appearances for the Blue Tigers and featured prominently in their draws against Qatar and China in recent times. A defender with a lot of leadership experience, Jhingan will definitely be a pillar of ATKMB’s defence for years to come.

The 27-year-old becomes the latest signing of what has been a very busy transfer season for the defending ISL champions. The Kolkata giants have also brought back Spanish defender Tiri for next season and roped in another experienced India international in Subhasish Bose on a long-term contract.

As this new alliance looks to make a big impact in the ISL in the coming season, a defensive general like Sandesh Jhingan will be quintessential to Antonio Habas’ plans of keeping a solid defensive record and also helping ATKMB play attractive, free-flowing football.