Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of Bengal captain and defender Monotosh Chakladar ahead of the upcoming Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season on a multi-year deal. The two-time champions had a disappointing campaign last season, having finished in the eighth position, with just five wins throughout.

This is the third fresh signing for Marina Machans this summer. It is also a first Hero ISL contract for the 24-year-old footballer, who captained Bengal in the 75th Santosh Trophy last month and played a crucial role in the state team’s runners-up finish.

"We are really happy to welcome Monotosh Chakladar to the Chennaiyin family. All of us at the club are aware of his leadership qualities and performances at the Santosh Trophy and we are excited to have him bring those qualities to the fold. I am certain he will fit in seamlessly into the team, and raise the overall level," Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said.

Chakladar a well-known face in the Bengal football circuit started his youth career at Kolkata-based United Sporting Club before moving to Mohammedan Sporting, where he made two I-League second division appearances in the 2017-18 season.

Making rapid strides, he then moved to Gokulam Kerala on loan in the 2018-19 season and made his I-League debut. He played four matches for Malabarians and then featured for East Bengal in the next I-League season.

Chakladar will bring invaluable experience to the Chennai side, having played in various domestic competitions in his five-year-long career so far.

"I'm very excited to play in the ISL for the first time and that too for two times champions, Chennaiyin FC. My only motive now is to work hard, get into the first team and win titles with this team" an elated Chakladar expressed.

With a revamp on the cards, Chennaiyin FC announced the departures of defenders Deepak Devrani and Davinder Singh from the Indian contingent after their respective contracts with the club expired.

Defender Deepak Devrani joined Chennaiyin FC before Hero ISL 2020-21 season and appeared four times for the Marina Machans in the Hero ISL 2020-21 season. On the other hand, former Mumbai City FC fullback Davinder Singh was brought on a one-year contract by the Marina Machans last season. He made a solitary appearance for the Chennai outfits.

While the other southern team Kerala Blasters FC announced the contract extension of their defender, Sandeep Singh till 2025. The 27-year-old had joined Kerala Blasters FC in December 2020 and was part of the Season 7 and Season 8 squad of the Hero Indian Super League (ISL).

Sandeep made his debut for Blasters against Bengaluru FC in 2020. The 27-year-old defender proved his versatility by playing in both wing-back positions and Centre back positions comfortably. He has had an impressive stint with the club so far with a total of 28 appearances, making a staggering 743 passes and 16 interceptions during this time.

KBFC has already announced numerous extensions during the off-season. Along with Sandeep, Blasters have secured Bijoy Varghese, Jeakson Singh, Marko Lešković, Prabhsukhan Gill, and Karanjit Singh on long-term deals.

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