Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Odisha FC have secured the services of Lalthathanga Khawlhring, better known as Puitea, as announced by the club on Wednesday. The midfielder joins the Juggernauts on a three-year deal from Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

The Mizoram-born midfielder kickstarted his career with Bethlehem Vengthlam before securing a move to the DSK Shivajians Academy. Puitea was awarded the "Best Midfielder" in the Mizoram Premier League for the 2015-16 season.

In 2017 Northeast United FC secured the services of the talented midfielder on a three-year deal but was loaned out to Aizawl FC for the entirety of the season. Puitea quickly became a mainstay for Aizawl as he finished the season with a goal to his name.

In 2017 Northeast United FC secured the services of the talented midfielder on a three-year deal but was loaned out to Aizawl FC for the entirety of the season. Puitea quickly became a mainstay for Aizawl as he finished the season with a goal to his name.

Eventually, he returned to the Highlanders the following season and debuted against the Gaurs. Puitea made a total of 29 appearances for NEUFC.

A move to Kerala Blasters was on the cards for Puitea where he inked a 3-year deal with the club. He made his debut and announced himself by scoring his first Hero ISL goal against the Blues after coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute. The midfielder was pivotal for the Blasters reaching the Hero ISL finals forming a solid partnership with Jeakson Singh.

Puitea joins the Kalinga Warriors on the back of winning the Hero ISL 2022-23 with Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

Versatile defender Asheer Akhtar completes move to NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC have further solidified their backline with the signing of Asheer Akhtar from Sreenidi Deccan. The versatile joins the Highlanders on a two-year contract that will keep him with the Highlanders until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Familiar faces await Asheer at the club, as he reunites with Konsam Phalguni Singh and Dinesh Singh, his former teammates at the Hyderabad outfit. Hailing from Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra, Asheer’s professional football career began in 2014. He would go on to be a part of the Hero Indian Super League-winning squad with Bengaluru FC in the 2018-19 season and was a mainstay in the reserve team.

After impressing with his defensive exploits, the 28-year-old went on to represent clubs like East Bengal and Mohammedan Sporting before moving to Sreenidi Deccan, where he made 19 appearances in the Hero I-League and even scored three goals.

Asheer, who was also Bengaluru FC’s emerging player in the 2017-18 season, expressed his delight at joining NEUFC, stating, "It's an absolute honour for me to join NorthEast United FC. It is a unique club as it doesn't represent a single city or state. They have an incredible fanbase, and I'm thrilled to be a part of such a club. I’m ready to face the challenges of the upcoming season, and together with the team we can overcome them."

NEUFC Head Coach Juan Pedro Benali revealed his excitement at our newest signing, saying, "Asheer's versatility adds depth to our defensive options. He has plenty of experience and is someone who seldom makes mistakes. He has featured regularly for his former sides in the recent past and is the right player to strengthen our defence."

NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane too shared his input on Asheer's acquisition. He said, "We are delighted to welcome Asheer Akhtar to NorthEast United FC. His wealth of knowledge and experience in Indian football will not only strengthen our team but also be invaluable for our young talents. He’s an embodiment of a proper team player and someone who’ll give his best all the time. We look forward to seeing him excel in our colours."

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NorthEast United FCOdisha FCMohun Bagan Super Giant Lalthathanga Khawlhring