Exclusive: Kamalpreet Singh in advance talks with Odisha FC

The Red and Gold defender has impressed pundits and fans alike with his performances in recent years.

Odisha FC have started building their squad for their next Indian Super League (ISL) season. They have been active in the transfer market in the hunt for several young and talented Indian players. However, now they are in to add another youngster to their ranks in Kamalpreet Singh, as the right-back is in advanced talks to sign a three-year deal from East Bengal, Khel Now understands.

The 22-year old surged through the youth ranks of Punjab FC and also featured for the senior team through their transition from the I-League Second Division to the I-League, which allowed him to gain prominence. When Khogen Singh led Punjab won their first I-League title back in 2017-18, Kamalpreet Singh had a big role to play.

The youngster is a persistent runner and an able defender. His overlapping runs and crosses from wide areas added a different dimension to the team's attack. His impressive performances did not go unnoticed, as he was roped in by East Bengal back in 2018.

He was an integral part of Alejandro Menendez's starting lineup, mainly due to his tireless work-ethic and neat passing. However, he was not able to maintain his consistency and gradually went down the pecking order. Menendez still tried to use him in central midfield where Singh did a decent job.

This season again, Singh continued with the Red and Gold, as he and the team blew hot and cold throughout the campaign. The former Punjab FC man has featured in only nine matches till now and has been far from his best. However, Odisha FC might have noticed the talent in Kamalpreet Singh, who led his former side to an I-League triumph at the tender age of 20. If he keeps up his consistency and works more on the defensive side of his game, he can be a very valuable asset for the ISL outfit.

With Shubham Sarangi emerging as one of the rising talents in the country, it will be difficult for Kamalpreet Singh to break into the starting XI. However, he has plied his trade even in midfield and the new coach may even opt to go with him in that position.

Odisha FC have shown their trust in young blood and therefore they have snapped up the Aizawl midfield duo of Paul Ramfangzauva and Isak Vanlalruatfela. They have also signed TRAU's flamboyant winger Premjit Singh, who at 18 has been very impressive for the newcomers in the I-League.

Similarly, former Kerala Blasters forward Baoringdao Bodo is also tipped to join the ISL outfit. We can also confirm that Odisha have signed Punjab FC's Thoiba Singh on a three-year deal. Read more about the deal here.