NorthEast United sign experienced full-back Ashutosh Mehta

The 28-year-old won the I-League with Mohun Bagan last season.

NorthEast United have signed experienced right-back Ashutosh Mehta ahead of the upcoming 2020-21 season of the Indian Super League (ISL). The 28-year-old previously plied his trade with Mohun Bagan in the I-League and played a vital role in their title-winning campaign.

Mehta made 14 appearances for the Mariners last season and won the hearts of the fans with his solid performances at the back. His display against East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby was one to remember, as he was simply exceptional on the night. Having signed him for next season, the Highlanders have landed a big domestic signing and can be assured of some degree of robustness at the back. Moreover, his ability to produce marauding runs down the wing mean that he can also contribute in the team's attack.

Ashutosh Mehta began his career with Mumbai FC and grabbed eyeballs with his sumptuous displays. Thereafter, he represented Mumbai City FC, FC Pune City as well as ATK in the ISL. Moreover, he was also part of Aizawl FC in the 2016-17 season of the I-League. Under the tutelage of Khalid Jamil, the Northeast club had made history by winning the league. Needless to say, Mehta is one of the highly-rated full-backs in the country and NorthEast United can only stand to gain with his signing.

The Highlanders had a forgettable previous season, as they finished in the penultimate position at the end. Interim head coach Khalid Jamil took charge after former head coach Robert Jarni faced the axe in the latter half of the season. In the summer, the club appointed Gerard Nus as their new boss, who will carry the weight of expectations from the fans.

The club have already signed a few foreigners including Khassa Camara, Luis Machado, Benjamin Lambot and Dylan Fox in order to reinforce the squad. Now, that Ashutosh Mehta has also penned a deal, it will be interested to see if NorthEast United can go a step higher and qualify for the playoffs.