Mumbai City FC announced the signing of 17-year-old defender Anwar Ali on a three-year deal from Minerva Punjab FC on Monday. A part of the U-17 national team who played in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Ali played a crucial part in India U-20’s historic win over Argentina U-20 on Sunday night in the COTIF Cup. Alongside restricting the Argentine attacks, his remarkable second-half free-kick ensured a 2-1 victory for his nation.

Young defender Anwar Ali, who scored a spectacular free-kick in the India U20’s win against Argentina U20, has joined us on a 3 year deal from Minerva Punjab. pic.twitter.com/F161aM35vO

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) August 7, 2018

A part of Minerva Punjab’s youth team in his initial years, he was selected by the Indian Arrows in the 2017-18 season and got an opportunity to play in the Hero I-League. Arrows is a youth development project by All India Football Federation (AIFF) that comprise of India’s U-20 players and Ali ended the season by featuring in 15 matches for his team throughout.

On Wednesday, the Islanders announced that Ali will be loaned out to Arrows again for the 2018-19 season. He will join Mumbai’s squad in the next season.

Anwar Ali will be loaned to the Indian Arrows for the 2018-19 season, keeping in mind the player’s development.

As a club, Mumbai City FC has always supported & will continue to support the vision of AIFF to develop Indian Football. pic.twitter.com/y5dr2GeI4v

— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) August 8, 2018