Mumbai City FC sign defender Sanjeev Stalin from Kerala Blasters FC
Mumbai City FC have secured the services of defender Sanjeev Stalin from Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the new Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Islanders have struck a deal which keeps the player at the club until the end of May 2026, the club announced the signing via their social media handles, on Thursday.
Mumbai City FC have secured the services of defender Sanjeev Stalin from Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the new Hero Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Islanders have struck a deal which keeps the player at the club until the end of May 2026, the club announced the signing via their social media handles, on Thursday.
The 21-year old becomes the second new face to join the Islanders. A product of Chandigarh Football Academy, Stalin rose through the ranks of the AIFF Elite Academy and went on to represent India at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He also represented India at the U-20 level.
“It's a big step for me to join Mumbai City at this stage of my career but it’s one that I am confident about. When the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in India came knocking, I knew I had to grab it with both hands. I am looking forward to learning from my peers, seniors and coach Des Buckingham,” said Stalin after putting pen to paper.
𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘𝗗. 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗗. 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗘𝗗! ✅
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) July 14, 2022
Welcome to #TheIslanders, Sanjeev Stalin! 💙#WelcomeSanjeev #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 @5sanjeevstalin pic.twitter.com/L9EhiRe8Ko
“I also would like to thank the Mumbai City management for showing faith in me and providing me with this wonderful opportunity and I cannot wait to get started and repay the trust put in me by the club and the fans,” he added.
Thereafter, he featured for I-league side Indian Arrows, making 28 appearances in two seasons. He then moved to Portugal in 2019, where he played for Deportivo Aves U-23 side and had a loan stint with the third division club Sertanense.
The Bengaluru-born player joined Kerala Blasters in March 2021 and made his debut for the club at the 2021 Durand Cup. He made eight appearances in his debut ISL campaign in the 2021-22 season.
“Sanjeev is certainly one of the most exciting talents in the country. He possesses excellent qualities and can add a lot to our squad. At just 21, he’s not only played at the highest level in India but has the invaluable experience of playing in Europe as well. We think Sanjeev can go on to become an important player, not just for Mumbai City but for the national setup as well and I wish him the very best,” said Buckingham after completing the signing.