Official: Mohun Bagan sign defender Sukhdev Singh from Minerva Punjab

The former Minerva Punjab defender joins the Mariners as the 25th name in the squad list.

In the most recent development in Kolkata, Mohun Bagan have announced the signing of defender Sukhdev Singh. The defender was part of Minerva Punjab’s title-winning squad in the recently concluded I-League season and his transfer was part of a smokescreen, as city rivals East Bengal announced to have signed him less than a month before.

In a press release sent to the media earlier today club official Srinjoy Bose, Bose stated, “This is to inform that Mohun Bagan have signed Mr Sukhdev Singh from Minerva Punjab Football Club for the upcoming 2018-19 football season.” The club had announced the names of 24 players for the next season earlier. However, talks of another player joining the squad fueled speculation in the following days.

The e-mail that confirmed Sukhdev Singh's transfer to Mohun Bagan

Earlier, Khel Now exclusively reported that East Bengal did not sign the former Minerva Punjab defender and Bagan were in the pole position to secure his services. Minerva owner Ranjit Bajaj revealed at that time to Khel Now that Singh still had a contract with the Warriors despite East Bengal claiming otherwise.

“Previously, we had shared the names of 24 players and intentionally kept the name of Sukhdev under wrap, as he was also under the radar of Kingfisher East Bengal. East Bengal even made an official media release claiming to have acquired his signature, but we kept on pursuing with the player and finally convinced him to sign in our favour,” the e-mail further read.

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Bose’s mail also revealed that Mohun Bagan gaffer Sankarlal Chakraborty had requested the signing of Singh from Minerva Punjab in a team-building meeting.

With the completion of the transfer, Minerva Punjab have now let go of another of their title-winning squad members, with ace forward Chencho Gyeltshen thought to be next in line to leave the club in the near future.