Lallianzuala Chhangte travels to Norway for second trial at Viking FK

The trial is expected to last for seven days for the 23-year-old.

Lallianzuala Chhangte has been called up for another trial at Norwegian side Viking FK, months after impressing in his first stint with the side. The former Delhi Dynamos winger now has a definitive chance with signing with the side if everything goes well in this crucial tie.

Chhangte is expected to land in Norway later on Monday and should start his trial immediately afterward. The trial, which will culminate for seven days, serves the 23-year-old the opportunity to sign with the Norwegian top-flight side if he manages to impress manager Bjarne Berntsen.

This will be the second trial for Chhangte in Norway

Viking FK have since managed to win promotion into the Eliteserien, which is the Premier, top-level league competition in Norwegian football. If Chhangte gets selected for the season ahead, Chhangte will gain healthy exposure in a much more competitive, difficult environment to amplify his ability at the top.

“Yes, Chhangte has left for Norway. He should be back before the Indian national team camp later this month, but before that we should get to know whether he’s signed a contract or not. But, yes there’s a chance he does gets signed this time around,” a source close to the situation told Khel Now.

The man responsible for organizing this trial on the behalf of Viking, Krish Roy, the director of the German Football Academy, explained on the same, “We are committed to provide opportunities to the young talent and a platform to showcase their abilities with our partners from India, in this case, TSC Asia.”

“We are confident Indian footballers have what it takes to represent clubs in Europe. With the support of our Indian partners and the AIFF, we are hopeful to continue being this bridge between the Indian talent and the European Football Scene.”, he further stated.

Back in February, Chhangte was called up for his first trial with Viking FK and was allowed to go ahead with the same with Delhi Dynamos. However, now that he’s not contracted to the Indian Super League (ISL) side anymore after last season, and is available to join the Norwegian side as a free agent.

Chhangte’s last trial impressed the Viking FK head coach, who had some kind words for him to say as well. Explained as a quick player with good qualities with the ball and praised for his skills, Berntsen’s praises indicated something further might develop in his gameplay. Now with the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Bhaichung Bhutia to play in Europe, it remains to be seen how Chhangte utilizes the chance.