Indian Super League (ISL) club Punjab FC announced on Tuesday the arrivals of Nihal Sudeesh and Ninthoinganba Meetei ahead of the upcoming season. Nihal Sudeesh joins the Shers on a season-long loan from Kerala Blasters FC, while Meetei joins on a permanent deal.

Nihal came up through the ranks of the Blasters, joining their reserve side during the 2019-20 season. He also represented the Indian Navy during the Durand Cup the following season. Before his ISL debut in the 2022–23 season, Sudeesh featured in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). He has played in 11 games in total in the RFDL and scored four goals.

The 23-year-old Kochi-born footballer made his ISL debut against Odisha FC during the 2022-23 season but didn’t receive regular game time, featuring in only five games and playing a total of 103 minutes.

Last season, he played in eight ISL games and scored his first goal against Hyderabad FC in Kerala Blasters’ 3-1 victory in their final league stage game. The winger also registered an assist, created three chances, attempted two shots on target, and won five duels.

Dynamic winger Meetei, aged 22, will strengthen Punjab FC's attack in the upcoming season. He brings extensive ISL experience with 69 appearances and five goal contributions over the past five seasons.

The AIFF Elite Academy graduate made his ISL debut with NorthEast United FC in the 2019–20 season before joining the Marina Machans following two years with the Highlanders.

Since his move to Chennaiyin FC in 2021, Meetei achieved career-best numbers last season under Owen Coyle's guidance, scoring two goals and providing an assist. The versatile winger scored goals against East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC, although both matches ended in a draw.

Meetei is now the fourth Indian signing for Punjab FC ahead of the ISL 2024–25 season.

Chennaiyin FC bid farewell to Sweden Fernandes

Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC announced the departure of Sweden Fernandes through their social media outlets on Tuesday.

The midfielder joined the Marina Machans during the last summer transfer window and made his debut in the Durand Cup game against Delhi FC. He was subsequently loaned out to Punjab FC for the upcoming ISL season. However, the 24-year-old did not feature in any league games during the ISL 2023–24 season.

Before joining two-time ISL Cup winners Chennaiyin FC, Fernandes played for Hyderabad FC in the 2022-23 season and also had a loan spell with I-League club Neroca FC. In his 13 appearances in the second division, he scored two goals and provided an assist.

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Nihal SudeeshChennaiyin FCPunjab FC2023-2024 Khumanthem Ninthoinganba Meetei