Kolkata: Indian Super League (ISL) side ATK Mohun Bagan announced the signing of India international Sandesh Jhingan on Saturday.
The defender has signed a five year contract for a fee believed to be around Rs 8.5 crore. Jhingan has previously played for Kerala Blasters for six years.
ATKMB released a short video on Twitter to announce the deal. ‘Joi Mohun Bagan, ami ashhchhi’ (Hail Mohun Bagan, I am coming) Jhingan, wearing the No.5 green and maroon jersey, declared on the video.
“I am delighted to have joined ATKMB. I had a detailed chat with the coach and the owners and I admire their vision and I am very happy that they felt that I could be a part of the family,” Jhingan said.
“I have a lot of friends already there in the team and I am looking forward to join them and start working together.”
Jhingan’s stock has risen over the years, earning 26 caps for India after making his debut in 2015. Since becoming the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Emerging Player of the Year in 2014, he has developed to become a top defender and even captained the national team.
He was reportedly keen to play abroad after mutual termination of his contract with Kerala Blasters and was much sought after by several other ISL clubs. Having signed for ATK Mohun Bagan, he will now play in the 2021 AFC Cup.
Jhingan underwent an ACL surgery after getting injured in September last year and missed the whole of last season. Head coach Antonio Habas said he expects the Punjab-born footballer to add value to the team.
“Sandesh brings a new energy into the team. He is an adept player and adds immense value to our overall strategy,” the Spaniard said.
ATK Mohun Bagan have earlier signed Indian internationals Subhasish Bose and Manvir Singh apart from Spanish defender Tiri.
The ISL is expected to begin in November this year in Goa. A section of home-based ATK Mohun Bagan players reached Goa on Saturday. Jhingan will join the squad and begin the quarantine procedure for COVID-19.
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