Odisha FC set to sign defender Narender Gahlot on multi-year deal

The defender has featured prominently for Jamshedpur FC in ISL 2021/22.

ISL outfit Odisha FC are all set to rope in national team defender Narender Gahlot, Khel now can confirm. The 21-year-old defender can be roped in by the Kalinga Warriors to solve their defensive woes .

"Both club and the player have agreed to terms on a multi-year deal. He will join Odisha FC for next season subject to clearances ," a source close to the development has confirmed Khel Now. He will complete the move during the summer transfer window, if everything goes as per plan.

About the player

Narender Gahlot started his career for the AIFF developmental side Indian Arrows. He played 14 matches for the Arrows. His performances in the 2018/19 I-League caught the attention of the Jamshedpur FC scouts and as a result, they roped him in. Till now, he has played 35 matches for Jamshedpur. His positioning and tackling skills make him one of the most promising central defenders in the country. Recently, he won the ISL League Winners’ Shield with the Men of Steel.

Narender Gahlot has also represented India at different age-group levels. He has the experience of playing two matches for the senior national team and has scored one goal.

Odissa FC this season

After a disastrous 2020-21 season, Odisha FC started their ISL 2021-22 campaign with three straight wins from the first four matches. But suddenly, the team lost their track and as a result, they finished the league in seventh position, with six wins and five losses. 

Due to some internal problems, Kiko Ramirez was sacked in the middle of the season, but that failed to change their fortunes. They conceded 38 goals due to their leaky defence, keeping only two clean-sheets. Odisha FC ended their ISL 21-22 campaign on a disastrous note when they lost to Jamshedpur FC by 5-1. 

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