Odisha FC sign Punjab FC's Thoiba Singh on three-year deal

The 17-year-old is among the fastest rising teenagers in Indian football.

Odisha FC are maintaining their strong bolstering for the next Indian Super League (ISL) season and have added another young gem to their arsenal by signing Thoiba Singh Moirangthem from Punjab FC, Khel Now can confirm.

The 17-year-old is among the fastest rising teenagers in Indian football, having taken big strides forward with the former I-League champions over the recent seasons. He has signed a three-year deal worth approximately ₹75 lakhs with Odisha FC.

He made his league debut at the age of 15 and has played a prominent role in their surge for title this season. The teenager made 11 appearances in the I-League in this campaign, scoring a goal and also setting up another. Moreover, he has also completed a total of 331 passes with an outstanding accuracy of 78% in this campaign. In addition to that, the versatile midfielder has also made 58 ball recoveries and 49 interceptions.

More than that, Thoiba Singh was also part of the India U-16 team which progressed into the quarter-finals of the AFC U-16 Championship in 2018 under the guidance of the then head coach Bibiano Fernandes.

He became the youngest ever player to score a goal in the AFC Cup when he netted against Nepali outfit Manang Marshyangdi in the group stages last year. He was indeed just 16-year-old and 154 days when he achieved this incredible feat for the Punjab side.

As part of the deal, Thoiba will earn the staggering amount over the next three years and could fit into the squad from next season itself. The youngster was the ideal utility player for Punjab FC in the last few years, having played in a number of positions.

While he generally plays as a defensive midfielder, Thoiba Singh can also play as a centre-midfielder, a winger or even as a centre-defender if needed. His stark versatility will be a huge boost for Odisha FC, who have given enough limelight to youngsters like Shubham Sarangi and Vinit Rai in past years.

Josep Gombau left the club after being in charge for two-years, but Odisha are already bolstering their side to give a stronger push for a playoff spot in the ISL next season.

Thus, Thoiba Singh is definitely the dream for a side which loves promoting youngsters, with his gritty style and unbridled determination making him the complete package for any side. Indeed, his energy levels, impressive physicality for his age and never-say-die spirit have helped galvanise Punjab FC many times in recent years.

We can also confirm that Odisha FC are in advance talks with the former Punjab FC player Kamalpreet Singh who represented East Bengal this season. Read more about the deal here.