Mumbai City FC and Kerala Blasters FC have agreed to terms for the transfer of defender Sanjeev Stalin for an undisclosed amount. The 21-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Islanders until May 2026, the Indian Super League team said on Thursday.
“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,” he said after signing for the Islanders.
“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.”
Stalin, a graduate of the Chandigarh Football Academy, advanced through the levels of the AIFF Elite Academy before representing India in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. He also played for India at the U-20 level.
He played for Indian Arrows for two seasons, earning 28 games. He subsequently travelled to Portugal in 2019, where he played for Deportivo Aves’ U-23 team and had a loan spell with Sertanense in the third tier.
Des Buckingham welcomed the defender at the club, saying, “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 set up as well and I wish him the very best.”
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.
Kerala Blasters Sign Defender Victor Mongil
They may have lost out on Sanjeev Stalin to the Islanders, but they are making some moves of their own!
Kerala Blasters have confirmed the acquisition of Spanish defender Victor Mongil from Odisha FC for the 2022-23 season of the Indian Super League (ISL).
Mongil will stay with the club until 2023, with an option to extend!
The 29-year-old began his youth career with Valladolid before moving on to play for their B squad before making his debut for the senior team in the 2011-12 season.
He later played for various Spanish clubs, notably Atletico Madrid B, before joining Georgian professional club FC Dinamo Tbilisi in 2019. Victor assisted Dinamo Tbilisi in winning the Georgian championship and also represented the team in the Europa League.
