Dhanpal Ganesh set to join SC East Bengal on loan

He managed a total of just 60 minutes of playing time last season.

Chennaiyin FC midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh set to join SC East Bengal for the upcoming Indian Super League season. The 27-year-old, who has been with the two-time ISL champions since 2015, had a year left on his contract. However, he will spend the upcoming ISL 2021-22 season with the Red and Gold Brigade.

"Dhanpal Ganesh will sign a season-long loan deal with East Bengal," said a source close to the developments. "Guarantee of regular game-time from East Bengal coach Robbie Fowler convinced the midfielder to join the Kolkata-based club," the source added. We further understand that the player has offered a contract with SCEB in the last one hour.

Ganesh only managed 60 minutes last season - all of them from the bench - as Chennnaiyin FC finished eighth in the points table with only three wins in a 20-game league season.

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Dhanpal Ganesh's ISL career

After starting his career at the FC Pune academy, Dhanpal joined Chennaiyin FC ahead of the 2015 ISL season. During his spell at FCPC, Ganesh played four seasons in the I-League, with one of them coming in the Pailan Arrows shirt, where he spent a season on loan. After joining the Marina Machans, the defensive midfielder was loaned to Chennai City, where he spent another season in the I-League.

Dhanpal eventually made his ISL debut for Chennaiyin FC against NorthEsast United in the 2017-18. He impressed then CFC coach John Gregory and cemented his place in the heart of CFC's midfield. Dhanpal Ganesh played an instrumental role in guiding Chennaiyin to their second ISL title. The 29-year-old played 17 games, including the win over FC Goa and the final and wasn't substituted even once in the full season. Ganesh made 22 interceptions that season, fourth-best among Chennaiyin FC players.

But, his game-time has since been limited. He made only 10 appearances last season, each of them as a substitute. The season before he could manage only five games before injury ended his campaign. In three years with Chennaiyin FC, Dhanpal has made 32 appearances in the ISL and has scored two goals. Both of those goals came in the 2017-18 season, which was his best in a CFC shirt.

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SC East Bengal's pre-season preparation

East Bengal, who have made a late entry to the transfer market, have roped in Amarjit Singh Kiyam on loan from FC Goa. The club have also completed loan deals for Adil Khan, Jackichand Singh and Subha Ghosh. They are also in talks with more players to complete signings before the transfer deadline. East Bengal have also signed right-back Sarineo Fernandes from FC Goa on a permanent deal.

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