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What’s the story?
India’s FIFA U17 World Cup star Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem is all set to pack his bags and fly off to Europe after the Scottish Club Motherwell offered him a month-long trial. The 16-year-old custodian also has a number of other offers from top clubs from around the world.
"He has got more offers from other top clubs as well. But right now, he am just looking at offers that look more concrete in nature," a source close to Dheeraj said to Sportskeeda.
In case you didn’t know
Dheeraj had impressed one and all with his performances during the FIFA U17 World Cup, with a number of top European clubs showing an interest in him. Although India lost all of their three group stage matches during the World Cup, Dheeraj earned a lot of plaudits for his performances and even got a call-up to the India U19 side for the AFC U19 Championship qualifiers.
However, the 16-year-old custodian recently announced that he has decided to join the Indian Arrows, which is a developmental side, brought about by the All India Football Federation, in order to allow the promising young players of the country to play at a competitive level in the I-League, from a young age.
Heart of the matter
Dheeraj, who is keen on signing with a foreign club, is said to have already agreed to take up Motherwell’s offer for the month-long trial, which is likely to be held at the end of the current season, according to the source.
The teenaged custodian only has a short-term deal in place with the AIFF for playing in the Indian Arrows side, something that is likely to help him with regards to a move to Europe. His current contract is said to last until the end of this year.
What’s next?
Although Dheeraj seems to be eager for a move abroad, there are a number of difficulties he may face with regards to a transfer to a foreign club. Firstly, there are strict rules set in place, with regards to getting Work Permit in the United Kingdom.
To add to that, there could be further complications with regards to FIFA’s rule on junior player transfers, which states that clubs cannot sign players under the age of 18 from other countries unless their parents are also moving to that country.
Author’s take
A move to a Scottish club would certainly help Dheeraj gain more exposure, which could be all the more beneficial, as he is still just 16-years-old.
