Transfer Talk: Lalramchullova likely to leave East Bengal, Lalrinzuala looking for a way out of Chennaiyin?

The Red and Gold Brigade have already lost star striker Jobby Justin to ATK.

Quess East Bengal FC are going through a difficult time, having found themselves in the midst of the I-League Vs Indian Super League controversy, after bowing out to Chennai City FC for their maiden I-League title and then losing out on their star forward Jobby Justin to ATK. Indeed, their problems don't seem to end as left-back Lalramchullova is likely to join Chennaiyin FC in a potential three-year deal, Khel Now understands.

The 24-year-old left-back signed from former I-League champions Aizawl FC after their title triumph in the 2016-17 canpaign. After two years with the Red and Gold Brigade, the full-back is likely to call time on his stay with one of Indian football's oldest clubs. The deal is understood to have him Chennaiyin bound for a whopping ₹2.5 crores.

Lalramchullova, soon after signing from Aizawl, broke into the starting XI of the Kolkata-based club and has been a key figure for them ever since. He has grown his reputation along with a couple of other talented players from the East Bengal setup and is already being regarded as one of the best-left backs in the country.

The Mizo defender helped East Bengal become one of the sturdiest defences of the league, having conceded only 20 goals throughout the season. However, he seems set to follow Kerala-born forward Jobby Justin on the way out of the club.

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The deal, if it goes through, would likely leave Jerry Lalrinzuala in need of a fix. The young full-back who plays in the same position as Lalramchullova had a season to forget for the Marina Machans. The youngster wasn't indispensable and moreover, whenever played, wasn't at his best.

Jerry was a significant figure in Chennaiyin's march to glory in the 2017-18 season, having played 20 games for them and being one of the best performers. However, his sub-par outings have taken a toll on his appearances.

Having seen chances hard to come by and having gone down the pecking order hasn't helped his confidence as well. Now, the deal for Lalramchullova would be one that offers even more direct competition to him for the left-back position and Lalrinzuala is likely to depart if the move materializes.