Sajid Dhot extends stay at Chennaiyin FC with contract renewal

The 24-year-old joined them on a permanent move this January from Odisha FC.

Centre-back Mohammad Sajid Dhot, who joined Chennaiyin FC from Odisha earlier in January, has extended his stay with the Marina Machans. The 24-year-old has signed a new two-year contract with the two-time Indian Super League champions.

"Sajid Dhot has renewed his contract with Chennaiyin FC until May 2024," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. Dhot had joined the Marina Machans on a six-month contract in January. He represented them in six matches before injury cut short his time in ISL 2021-22.

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But, by then, Dhot had impressed the Chennaiyin FC hierarchy with his performance in a short period. He was named the Player of the Match in his debut game against eventual shield winners Jamshedpur FC. He also scored the opener in the 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC. With Dhot in their backline, Chennaiyin FC lost only twice and failed to win any after he was ruled out from the season with a muscle injury.

He joined the Marina Machans after a four-year spell with Odisha FC and erstwhile Delhi Dynamos. At Odisha, Dhot struggled for game-time, despite signing a new two-year contract at the end of last season. He was not named in the Juggernauts' squad for ISL 2021-22 and hence decide to make the move elsewhere.

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A former AIFF Elite Academy product, Dhot played a total of 25 matches for Odisha and Delhi Dynamos across four seasons and scored one goal. His best time with the club was perhaps his first season there, when he played seven games in the 2017-18 season, including consecutive starts twice.

In the ISL alone, Dhot has played 1887 minutes and has made 37 blocks. He also has 110 clearances 52 tackles to his name.

Chenaiyin FC's preparations

The Marina Machans have already completed the signing of midfielder Sourav Das from SC East Bengal, as confirmed by Khel Now. Das, 25, has signed a two-year contract with the two-time ISL champions. The club, after yet another horrendous campaign, are also in talks with several players to revamp their squad. Chennaiyin FC had also earlier tied captain Anirudh Thapa to a new deal.

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