Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of talented defenders Ankit Mukherjee and Bijay Chhetri on multi-year deals to bolster the team’s defence ahead of the upcoming season. The club announced the signing through their social media handles on Sunday.

Ankit, who plays right back has one goal from 38 Hero ISL appearances to his name and joins Marina Machans from East Bengal FC. The 26-year old’s experience and ability to read the game well will play a crucial role in bringing stability to the defence.

“I am really happy and excited to join the two-time Hero ISL Champions. Chennai has passionate fans and I am looking forward to donning the Chennaiyin FC jersey and playing in front of them,” Ankit Mukherjee commented.

Hailing from Manipur, 21-year old Bijay Chhetri has been handed his major Hero ISL contract by Chennaiyin FC who remain committed towards nurturing and developing young Indian talent. The promising centre back previously played for local club Chennai City FC, showcasing exceptional defensive abilities and composure.

Meanwhile, Bijay Chhetri too was excited with this break, he said, “I’m very happy and excited to be part of Chennayin FC family and looking forward to helping the club. I will give my 100% to help the club grow. I have heard a lot about the fans and I can’t wait to play in front of the Supermachans and B-Stand Blues.”

Addition of Ankit Mukherjee and Bijay Chhetri will greatly enhance the defensive capabilities of Chennaiyin FC and elevate the team's performance.

Odisha FC rope in midfielder Lalliansanga Renthlei

Odisha FC have completed the transfer of midfielder Lalliansanga Renthlei from Rajasthan United FC on a three-year deal, the club announced the signing through their social media handles on Sunday.

Renthlei, a product of the AIFF Elite Academy, has shown immense promise throughout his career, and his transfer to the Kalinga Warriors is expected to be a significant boost for the team.

Early Career and Development:

Lalliansanga Renthlei kick-started his professional career with theChennaiyin FC Reserves in 2017. Hailing from Mizoram, he quickly caught the attention of scouts with his exceptional skills and footballing acumen. After his stint with Chennaiyin FC, Renthlei joined the Indian Arrows. During his time with the Indian Arrows, Renthlei focused on honing his skills, gaining valuable experience, and further refining his game.

Rise to Prominence:

Following his stint with the Indian Arrows, Renthlei made a move to Sudeva Delhi FC, where he continued to impress with his versatility and tactical awareness. His performances coming off the bench at Sudeva Delhi FC caught the attention of Rajasthan United FC, who secured his services. Renthlei quickly established himself as a vital cog in the RUFC squad, showcasing his ability to adapt to different positions and displaying an astute understanding of the game.

Appreciation for Versatility and Tactical Awareness:

His ability to play in the middle of the park combined with his skill to control the game, vision, and range of passing makes him a valuable asset for OFC.

Apart from his positional versatility, Renthlei possesses a keen understanding of the game. His tactical awareness allows him to make intelligent decisions on the field, both in terms of positioning and distribution. Renthlei's passing accuracy and ability to initiate attacks from the back have added a new dimension to his game, making him an essential player for his team's build-up play.

Signing with Odisha FC:

Lalliansanga Renthlei's transfer to Odisha FC marks an important milestone in his career. The move to a new club offers him a fresh challenge and an opportunity to continue his growth as a player.