ISL Season 8: Indian Super League outfit Mumbai City FC have already started thinking about the next season as they have held talks to sign Jamshedpur FC defender Narender Gahlot and Odisha FC goalkeeper Ravi Kumar. Follow all the ISL 2021-22 LIVE Updates only on InsideSport.IN
Several reports have suggested the Islanders interest in the talented duo. Especially, there is more hype surrounding India international defender Narender Gahlot. His contract with Jamshedpur FC finishes at the end of this season and there is a high possibility that we may get to see him in Mumbai City colours next season.
The ISL Emerging Player of the Match is Narender Gahlot 👊#JFCNEU #HeroISL #LetsFootball #TrueLove pic.twitter.com/C6tkZ1UumW
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) December 2, 2019
However, the negotiations are still going on and there are multiple ISL clubs looking to secure his signature. His performances alongside Peter Hartley and Eli Sabia in defence has been very impressive. Predominantly a centre back Narender has also slotted in as a right-back and had done a decent job out of his comfort zone.
The 21-year-old is already among the top Indian centre backs in the ISL currently and he will only get better from here. So teams are looking to tie him down to a long term contract. However, it will be interesting to see which team he chooses in the end after this season.
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The young centre back came up through the ranks at the Chandigarh Football Academy. He then caught the eye during his stint for Indian Arrows in the I-League. It was in July 2019 when he was roped in by Jamshedpur FC. Since then he has featured in 32 matches for the Men of Steel and has been a vital cog in defence for many coaches. This season he has featured in 11 matches but only 672 minutes as Owen Coyle has preferred the foreign centre back duo of Peter Hartley and Eli Sabia in most matches.
The Islanders are also interested in Odisha FC custodian Ravi Kumar as they look to bolster that area heading into the next season. Mohammed Nawaz would still be the top pick for Des Buckingham but given his performances this season the English tactician will probably want more options between the sticks.
The 28-year-old has been in the Indian football circuit for a long time and has featured for Mumbai City FC earlier. His first stint with the Islanders started when he joined the club from NorthEast United FC in 2018 and in 2020 Ravi left the club to join Odisha FC. He can be a very experienced backup for young Mohammed Nawaz.
Editors pick
