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What's the story?
Mohun Bagan has edged past East Bengal to rope in Defender Sukhdev Singh from Minerva Punjab FC for the upcoming season of the I-League which is still months away to kick start.
In case you didn't know...
Previously, it was rumoured that the Punjab based footballer is closing on a move to Kolkata giants East Bengal along with three others from the same I-League winning side. But at the end, their arch-rivals had the last laugh over them completing the transfer on Monday.
The heart of the matter
In a press release, a Mohun Bagan official confirmed the signing as East Bengal had already announced that they have secured the services of the player in future. Official Srinjoy Bose clearly mentioned that Sukhdev Singh will wear the ‘Green and Maroon’ jersey next season.
“Previously, we had shared the names of 24 players and intentionally kept the name of Sukhdev under wrap, as he was also under the radar of Kingfisher East Bengal. East Bengal even made an official media release claiming to have acquired his signature, but we kept on pursuing with the player and finally convinced him to sign in our favour,” stated Srinjoy Bose.
What's next?
Mohun Bagan finished at the third spot in the I-League last season after a mixed bag of performances throughout. Things were not smooth during the campaign as their I-League winning coach Sanjoy Sen resigned after a home defeat to Chennai City FC at their club ground. Shankarlal Chakraborty took the responsibility and finished the season in a respectable manner.
Shankarlal has been retained by the club and will shoulder the burden of a million passionate fans. Since he has ample of time to prepare with the squad before the next season starts, he will be eyeing no less than a second I-League crown for the ‘Mariners.’
Author's take
Sukhdev Singh has been exceptional in the last season for Minerva Punjab FC and inspired them to their maiden I-League title. Mohun Bagan will be more than pleased to have the services of the promising defender next season.
