NorthEast United FC roped in 24-year-old striker Lalrinzuala Hanhaur as the club strengthened its striking department.

The Highlanders hailed their new recruit as ‘an elite marksman with a proven track record’ on their social media page as they made the signing official on Sunday.

Lalrinzuala has established himself as one of the top strikers in I-League over the past two seasons scoring 27 goals in 39 matches for Aizawl FC. He finished as the third-highest goalscorers in the I-League in each of the past two seasons and was the top Indian goalscorer in the league in the last two campaigns.

The Mizoram-born forward will now get the chance to make the step up to the Indian Super League (ISL) with NorthEast United FC who were the third-highest goalscorers in the ISL 2024-25.

Lalrinzuala’s arrival will help ease the club’s dependence of foreign players to score the goals. Jithin MS, Parthib Gogoi and Macarton Nickson were the club’s joint top Indian goalscorers last season with two goals apiece and the Highlanders would love to have an Indian forward who can contribute in the attacking department on a more consistent basis.

The youngster will also get an opportunity to learn from Alaaeddine Ajaraie who won the Golden Boot and the Player of the season awards in ISL 2024-25.

Tiri extends Mumbai City FC stay

Veteran Spanish defender Tiri extended his contract with Mumbai City FC by a year, the club announced on Sunday.

The new deal will keep the 33-year-old with the Islanders till 2026.

Tiri joined Mumbai City FC in 2023 and helped the club win the ISL Cup in his first season with the club. He has been a model of consistency in their backline and is a key leader in the dressing room.

The club has placed faith in the defender to inspire the squad as the Islanders look to overhaul after a fairly disappointing season by their standards. His renewal comes as a boost for the club who saw Bipin Singh depart the club on Saturday and his experience will be key for the team in the upcoming campaign.

The Spaniard is one of the most accomplished defenders in ISL history with 154 appearances to his name and having signed on for another year with Mumbai City FC, he is aiming to add more feathers to his already decorated cap.

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