Kolkata: Star Indian defender Sandesh Jinghan has joined his ISL franchise Kerala Blasters ahead of the upcoming Indian football season where the I-League and the ISL would take place simultaneously. According to reports, Jinghan has accepted a lucrative deal from the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned team and thus becomes their second player after CK Vineeth to be retained by the two-time ISL finalists.
Vineeth, one of India’s best strikers at the moment had a terrific season with the Blasters in the last ISL and played a crucial role in them reaching the finals of the tournament. They were in talks of retaining one of their crucial players- midfielder Mehtab Hossain but the latter snubbed the offer and chose to be a part of the ISL draft which is to be held later this month.
In the I-League, former champions have secured the services of Ricky Lallawmawma, the right full back from the DSK Shivajians. A livewire on the field, Ricky enjoyed a good amount of success during his stay at Aizawl FC in the I-League in the 2015-2016 season. As a result of his good performances, he was signed by DSK Shivajians where he didn’tget much to play. Thus, his signing could be a huge boost for the Mohun Bagan.
Indian attacking midfielder Jayesh Rane has got offers from both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan and would arrive at a decision in a couple of days. In an interaction with Xtratime, he said, “I haven’t decided my future as yet. I have offers from both the Kolkata heavyweights. But I will take my final decision in 2-3 days.”
Bikash Jairu, another midfielder who has been performing well for the Red and Gold brigade in the I-League has got good offers from the ISL franchises as well as Mohun Bagan is likely to enter the draft as well. He said, “I have offers from all the ISL franchises, I have a good offer from Mohun Bagan as well. But I’m likely to join the ISL players draft. Though I will be in Kolkata soon to discuss the offer with Mohun Bagan.”
Victorino Fernandes, who has been approached by East Bengal said that he might play for them on loan in the next I-League. “Yes I’m in talks with them. But I told them that I have a contract with Sporting Clube de Goa and I have to play for them in the Goa Pro League. I can join East Bengal on loan for the I-League,” he said.