Mumbai City, Jamshedpur FC in advanced talks over swap deal for stars

Both players will return to their former clubs as part of the negotiations.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Mumbai City FC are close to completing the signing of Jackichand Singh from Jamshedpur FC, Khel Now has learned. The 28-year-old will join the Islanders as part of a swap deal with the Men of Steel, with Farukh Choudhary heading in the opposite direction.

"Jackichand Singh is all set to re-join his former team Mumbai City. The club have agreed terms with Jamshedpur FC over a swap deal and the Jharkhand outfit will sign Farukh Choudhary in exchange," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. The winger began his senior career with Royal Wahingdoh and later plied his trade at FC Pune City, Salgaocar FC and Mumbai City, before Kerala Blasters drafted him ahead of the 2017-18 season of the ISL. He stayed with them for just a year before joining FC Goa and featured for the Gaurs in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 editions of the league.

In August 2020, Jamshedpur announced the signing of the Manipuri attacker and so far in the ongoing campaign he has made 12 appearances, notching three assists. He will now turn out for his former club in the Islanders, who are currently at the top of the table.

21-year-old Farukh Choudhary made his senior debut at Lonestar Kashmir before signing with Kerala Blasters in 2016. The Yellow Army then sent him on a season-long loan spell at Mumbai FC, at the end of which he was picked up by Jamshedpur in the ISL draft. The youngster proceeded to make 47 appearances for the Men of Steel across a three-year period and also registered three goals as well as five assists.

Mumbai City roped the forward in ahead of the ongoing 2020-21 season, but he has since struggled for game-time under head coach Sergio Lobera. Till date, he has clocked just 158 minutes this season in six matches.

But, with his former club now re-signing him, the Kashmiri starlet can hope to feature more regularly. With three wins, four draws and five defeats Jamshedpur FC are at eighth place on the league standings. With 13 points, they are tied with seventh-placed Bengaluru FC and Kerala Blasters in ninth. Hence, they need consecutive wins to climb higher up the table.