FC Bengaluru United confirm signing of nine new players including two local boys

FCBU Media 

BDFA Super Division champions FC Bengaluru United (FCBU) have signed new players as they work on fine-tuning their squad in their bid to mount a challenge for domestic honours in the 2021 – 22 Season. The addition of defenders Kinshuk Debnath, Dharmaraj Ravanan, Thokchom James Singh, George D’Souza, Yumnam Gopi Singh, Kynsailang Khongsit, Shelton Paul, Melroy Fernandes, and Nihal Colaco. will add significant depth to the FCBU squad and strengthen the defensive backline, bring in energy, freshness, and balance.

• Kinshuk Debnath - the 36-year-old right fullback is a seasoned campaigner with notable big match experience during his stints with Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan SC, East Bengal and Atletico de Kolkata. Debnath has spent the bulk of his professional career representing Kolkata clubs, and will likely play a key role for the Bengaluru outfit during their 2021 Durand Cup campaign, which will be held in Kolkata from 5th September.
• Dharmaraj Ravanan – the centre back is another player who will add experience and championship winning know-how to the FCBU squad. The 34-year-old defender from Tamil Nadu is a veteran of 138 I-League appearances, and a two-time winner of the Durand Cup with Mahindra United and Churchill Brothers. He has also led the Goan club to the I-League (2013) and Federation Cup (2014) titles as their Captain. Ravanan’s addition will shore up the heart of the FCBU defence.
• Thokchom James Singh – the 21-year-old Manipuri centre back, who joins the club on a free transfer from I-League side TRAU FC. The young defender played for Neroca FC at youth level, before going on to represent Sagolband United and TRAU FC.
• George D’Souza – the 27-year-old left fullback, who joins FCBU on a loan deal from ISL side Odisha FC. A dead ball specialist with natural attacking instincts, the versatile left back was often deployed further up the pitch as an out and out winger for Goa Pro League side Sporting Goa.
• Yumnam Gopi Singh – the 22-year-old Manipuri footballer who plays as a left-sided midfielder. A versatile athlete, Singh has also often been fielded centrally as an attacking midfielder. After beginning his career in the I-League at Neroca FC, Singh joined ISL side ATK, where he played primarily for the reserve team. He finally got his chance to play in the ISL in the 2020-21 season with East Bengal.
• Kynsailang Khongsit  - the 22-old defender hails from Shillong, where he came through the ranks of hometown club Royal Wahingdoh FC. After spending a considerable part of his youth career there, Khongsit moved to Shillong Lajong in the summer of 2017. Khongsit racked up 22 appearances in the I-League for Shillong Lajong over his two seasons at the club.
• Melroy Fernandes – he has played for prominent Goa clubs in the Goa Pro League and I-League over the last decade, joins as the third goalkeeper in the squad. 
• Shelton Paul – the local Bengaluru boy is a promising winger.
• Nihal Colaco- another local boy who is making a comeback to the squad, following his recovery from injury.

 

Bengaluru FC sign Brazilian midfielder Bruno Ramires

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Saturday, confirmed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Bruno Edgar Silva Almeida, more commonly known as Bruno Ramires, on a two-year deal that will run until the end of the 2022-23 season. Ramires, who most recently played for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Belenenses SAD, is Marco Pezzaiuoli’s ninth signing of the summer.

A product of the Bahia Youth Academy, Ramires turned out for Brazilian sides Vitoria and Cruzeiro before making his first team debut for the latter in 2014. With Cruzeiro, Ramires was part of the team that secured the Brazilian domestic double in 2014, winning the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A and Campeonato Mineiro.

“I am very happy to have signed with Bengaluru FC. It’s a new challenge for me and I hope to have a good season with my new teammates. My primary target is to fight for trophies with this club, because I know this team has a winning mentality. I want to work hard with my new teammates, play as much as I can and contribute to the team in the best possible way,” Ramires said after completing formalities.

After a loan spell at Portuguese side Moreirense, Ramires returned to Brazil and plied his trade at Centro Sportivo Alagoano in 2019. A year later, Ramires joined Portuguese LigaPro side Feirense, before making a transfer to Belenenses in the Primeira Liga for an undisclosed fee in 2020. At Belenenses, Ramires made 32 appearances across all competitions, as the side finished 10th in the League.

Speaking on the signing, Bengaluru coach Marco Pezzaiuoli said, “Bruno is a young, influential and a very versatile player who can play in many positions in the midfield. He makes his presence felt on both ends of the pitch, and with his experiences playing in Brazil and the Portuguese First Division, I am sure he will help what is a relatively young squad. His signing will lend the team solidity as we look forward to the Indian Super League season.” 

Ramires will join the squad for pre-season training ahead of their upcoming Indian Super League campaign.

 

Bengaluru FC sign I-League top-scorer Bidyashagar

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have bolstered their attacking line up with the signing of Bidyashagar Singh on a three-year contract, the club announced on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Manipuri becomes the eighth signing of the summer, and joins the Blues ahead of the upcoming AFC Cup playoff stage clash against Eagles FC.

Bidyashagar, who came through the Tiddim Road Athletic Union FC youth system, joined East Bengal in 2016. He first came into prominence when he took the Kolkata side’s U18 team to the finals of the 2016-17 U18 I-League, scoring six goals, including in both semifinals and final. He was promoted to the senior team and made his mark in the 2019 Durand Cup, even scoring twice in a 2-1 win over the Blues in the group stage.

“Signing for Bengaluru FC is like a dream come true for me. Now that I am here, I want to achieve more for the club and for myself. I am eager to improve and to contribute to helping this team to continue the winning legacy that it has established. I know that I am surrounded by so many great players like Sunil bhai and Gurpreet bhai, and I want to learn from them and develop further,” said Bidyashagar, after putting pen to paper on his deal. 

After making just 11 appearances in the I-League across two seasons, he returned to TRAU last year and his 12 goals, including two hat-tricks, took his boyhood side’s I-League title challenge to the final match day, with the team eventually finishing third in the standings.

“The opportunity to play for Bengaluru FC has arrived at the right time for me. Being in good form is very important for a striker and I would like to continue my good run here. My aim is to win trophies and to wear this club’s jersey with pride. I also want to do well here so that I can make it into our national team,” added Bidyashagar.

Comfortable playing on either flank, Bidyashagar became only the second Indian to pick up the I-League Golden Boot last season and in doing so, became only the fourth Indian to finish top scorer of a National League after Bhaichung Bhutia, Raman Vijayan and Blues’ skipper Sunil Chhetri. He was also named the ‘Hero of the Season’ and found a place in the I-League ‘Team of the Season.’

“Bidyashagar is a young player with a lot of potential. He is very eager to learn and make the next step and in the short time that he has been with us, he has shown us that he has the ability to score goals. The important thing now is to make sure he can bring his quality into our team and do that in the Indian Super League. He can play as a striker, as a winger and in behind the striker, which gives us a lot of options in attack,” said Blues’ Head Coach Marco Pezzaiuoli.

The Blues take on Club Eagles FC in their AFC Cup playoff clash, on August 15, in Maldives.

Bengaluru sign Brazilian defender Alan Costa on loan from Avaí FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Tuesday, announced that Brazilian defender Alan Henrique Costa had signed on a two-year loan deal from Campeonato Brasileiro Série B side, Avaí Futebol Clube. Thirty-year-old Costa, who stands at 6’4”, is the Blues’ second foreign acquisition under Marco Pezzaiuoli after Gabonese defender Yrondu Musavu-King signed a new two-year deal on Saturday.

Having begun his career in the youth ranks of Ferroviária in Brasil, Costa had stints at Palmeiras, Internacional and Coritiba, and loan spells at Sao Bento and Vitoria, before joining Avaí in 2020.

Costa, a native of Araraquara, has spent the entirety of his professional career thus far in Brazil, and expressed excitement at his move to Bengaluru. “I’m really happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC and I have good expectations about Indian football. I didn’t know too much about the Indian Super League, but I have friends who have played here, who have only great things to say,” said Costa, after completing the formalities on his loan deal.

Costa, who lifted the Campeonato Catarinense State Championship with Avaí in May, winning 3-2 against defending champions Chapecoense over a two-legged final, said he was looking forward to the move, and to do well for the Blues. 

“The new project at BFC is one that excites me, and I am eager to repay the trust of those who showed the faith to bring me here. I am aware that the club hasn’t had a great run of late, but I want to show my experience and make sure that this season is different,” Costa added.

Bengaluru ran out 5-0 winners over Tribhuvan Army FC in a Preliminary Stage Two clash of the AFC Cup in April, in what was Marco Pezzaiuoli’s first game in charge. The Italian said that Costa’s presence and leadership could prove vital to his squad.

“I’m happy to welcome Alan to Bengaluru FC. I think he is a very important player on the pitch and has a commanding personality off it. He is a natural leader and has captained teams that he has been part of in the past,” said Pezzaiuoli.

Incidentally, Costa scored his first goal of the Brasileiro Série B season in a 3-1 win against Londrina Esporte Clube, on Thursday. “Alan’s quality with the ball is very impressive and he has been scoring goals over the last few seasons which makes him a very interesting player to have. His presence will definitely improve the overall quality of the team and I wish him success on his new journey with us,” added Pezzaiuoli.

Yrondu Musavu-King pens two-year deal with Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC, on Saturday, announced that defender Yrondu Musavu-King had signed a two-year extension, adding to his earlier short term contract with the club. The 29-year-old, who made his debut in a 5-0 win over Tribhuvan Army FC in the AFC Cup Preliminary Stage Two clash, is Blues’ Head Coach Marco Pezzaiuoli’s first foreign acquisition ahead of the new season.

“First of all, I would like to thank the club CEO, the coach, all the staff and my teammates who welcomed me so well when I first came to India. I had good feelings about this club right from the start, and that is one of the reasons why I have decided to extend my adventure here,” said Musavu-King, following the completion of formalities on his new deal.

Musavu-King has featured at the international level with Gabon, making his debut in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Congo, and has turned out clubs in Europe’s top divisions like Granada, Udinese, Lorient and Toulouse, among others. The Libreville-born centre-back said he was excited and looking forward to the new season.

“This group has good quality and the coach convinced me about the project he is building at a club that has been so successful. This fresh two-year deal is a new chapter in my professional life and it is one that I will be approaching with everything I can give. My goal is to win as many games as possible. I have seen the mentality and quality this team possesses and I am confident that together we are going to achieve many beautiful things,” King added.

The defender’s extension follows the arrival of young Indian midfielder Rohit Kumar, and Marco Pezzaiuoli said he was happy to see the club keep hold of Musavu-King, who is a product of the Caen Academy in France.

“I am pleased that we have managed to secure the signature of Musavu-King.  He is a fantastic professional with a wealth of experience as he has shown during his stay at Bengaluru FC so far. Football aside, he is also a warm personality in the dressing room and we look forward to having him in a Bengaluru shirt for two more seasons,” said Pezzaiuoli.

The Blues are back in action next month, when they take on Eagles FC in a 2021 AFC Cup Playoff clash.

 

Bengaluru sign Osasuna Striker Manuel Onwu

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru FC have completed the signing of Spanish striker Manuel Onwu Villafranca ahead of the 2019-20 season, the club announced on Wednesday. 

The 31-year-old striker who becomes the 13th Spaniard to sign for the Blues, has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with the club having an option to extend it for another year. 

“Having spent a fair bit of time playing in Spain, I was looking for a different experience. However, I wanted to join a strong project where we fight for ambitious goals. That's the reason I'm very excited to join Bengaluru FC. I've heard a lot of good things about the club from many Spanish players in the league, and that helped me make a decision about coming here. I look forward to meeting my new teammates and hope to help the club build on their success from last season,” said Manuel after putting to paper.   

Welcoming him to the Blues fold, Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Manuel comes in after a long playing career in Spain that includes playing at the very top. He will provide us with some good options in attack and we expect him to settle in easily. Of course, he isn't a direct replacement for Miku, because we're talking about two very different types of players. Manuel is a great professional, and his experiences will definitely make him a great addition to our squad.”

Born in Tudela, Manuel had youth spells with Club Atlético Valtierrano and CD Tudelano, making his senior debut with the latter in 2006. In 2007, Onwu signed with Osasuna B and had a couple of loan spells at CD Iruña (2007-08) and UD Alzira (2008) before returning to the reserve team of the La Liga side. While Manuel featured and netted regularly for Osasuna B in the Segunda B Division, he was called up to the first team and made his La Liga debut in March 2012.

Having played three seasons in the Spanish top flight and another one in the Segunda Division for Osasuna, Manuel had a brief spell in Georgia with FC Dinamo Tbilisi where he was part of the side that won the 2015 Georgian Cup. He returned to Spain the following season and featured for Lleida Esportiu (2015-16) and Lorca FC (2016-18) helping the latter to a promotion to Segunda Division in his first season. In January 2018, he moved to UCAM Murcia CF and featured regularly and in fact, was the top-scorer for the Universitarios with 11 league goals in the 2018-19 season.

At Bengaluru, Manuel becomes the fourth Spaniard in the current squad joining Juanan Gonzalez, Dimas Delgado, and Albert Serran.

South United appoint Alfredo Fernandes as Head Coach

South United Media 

South United Football Club officially announced the appointment of Alfredo Fernandes as their new Head Coach. The Bengaluru club were able to attract Mr. Fernandes after two seasons in-charge of the Churchill Brothers I-League side and one season spent as Technical Director at the club. 

Speaking ahead of the announcement, Alfredo Fernandes said, “I was thrilled to see the long-term vision and passion shown by South United FC. The plans and ideas they have for the club are what drew me to the job and I’m excited to be a part of this endeavour. 

“The club has come a long way so far and my goal will be to carry on this incredible journey and build on it as we move forward to try and achieve our long term and short term goals.” 

SUFC are soon holding trials for aspirants who want to play for the senior team during the 2019-20 season and are keen to have Mr. Fernandes involved from the very beginning. 

The AFC ‘A’ License holder, Alfredo Fernandes, began his coaching career with Young Strikers after spending 18 years as a professional footballer. As a player he represented the likes of Dempo SC and Churchill Brothers among others. 

He finished his playing career at Young Strikers and then coached the side for 3 years. Following that, he joined Churchill Brothers to coach their U-20 side and played the role of Assistant Coach for the senior side for 10 years before taking over as Head Coach in 2016. He remained head coach of the side for 2 seasons before taking the post of Technical Director at the club.

New look South United in Second Division League

South United Media 

While South United take on Chennaiyin FC reserves in their second I-League 2nd Division match, they bolstered their squad with new additions, a few of the them though featured for South United in their Second Division Opener against Ozone FC last Monday. 

Four players have joined South United FC from the ranks of the Delhi Dynamos reserves team. Kishan Singh Thongam is among this influx of young talent, but he’s already got an impressive resume as he appeared at multiple levels for the Junior Indian National Team and played in the I-League Second Division for the Dynamos Reserve Team. 

Krishan Kumar and Sudipta Malakar too joining from Delhi Dynamos. 

Another joinee on a season-long loan from Dynamos, Amit Tudu, charted a similar course having made appearances for India at U16 and U19 levels before playing for the Dynamos Reserves. His flexibility in being able to play multiple positions in the defensive third provides South United FC with multiple options to deploy his skills. 

The most experienced campaigner among the lot, having spent his career playing in the I-League and the I-League Second Division, defender Tonmoy Ghosh is set to represent SUFC in the Hero Second Division League this season. 

Among the new signings is Subhankar Adhikary, an experienced campaigner at a young age, having previously represented clubs in the Kolkata League Division 1, U19 I-League, and the U19 IFA Shield before moving to FC Kerala. The 2017/18 saw him play in the Kerala Premier League and the I-League Second Division, as the captain of FC Kerala and he brings those leadership qualities to South United FC now. 

The 6-foot tall central defender Sajid Hossain also joins the fray at South United FC from FC Pune City. He was a part of their set-up for the last 3 seasons, including in the I-League Second Division last season. 

22-years-old defender Nitesh Aswani arrives from FC Pune City as well. His last season spent with the FC Pune City captaining the reserve team in the I-League Second Division should serve as great experience that South United FC can capitalise on in this campaign.

Having earned his stripes at the Royal Wahingdoh Academy, 21-year-old Rungsing Muinao attracted a few eyeballs with his impressive performances in the Chennai League and Calcutta League. On his previous foray in the I-League Second division he scored 3 goals in 6 starts with Delhi United. He also scored 10 goals in 11 games for them in the Delhi League. His team-mate at FC Bardez, goalkeeper Royal Basumatary also made the cut for SUFC. 

K. Lalmalsawma impressed at an early age playing at BVT FC to make it into the Mizoram State Team and at Chhinga Veng FC before joining the ATK team set up. The youngster joins on loan from the Kolkata club. 

Former Bengaluru FC striker Cletus Paul, David Lalbiakzara from Aizawl FC, and Amoes T from FC Bengaluru United round off the selection of players joining South United FC.

At the average age of 22, the influx of talent and potential of the 14 names added to the roster will bring an exciting brand of football for the fans of Bengaluru to appreciate.

Name	Age	Position	From
Subhankar Adhikary	24 years	CB	FC Kerala
Sajid Hossain	20 years	CM	FC Pune City
Rungsing Muinao	21 years	RW, LW	FC Bardez
Kishan Singh Thongam	19 years	LB	Delhi Dynamos FC
Krishan Kumar	22 years	CM	Delhi Dynamos FC
Amit Tudu	21 years	CB, RB	Delhi Dynamos FC (Season-long Loan)
Sudipta Malakar	18 years	LW, RW	Delhi Dynamos FC
Cletus Paul	25 years	ST	Sreebhumi FC
David Lalbiakzara	24 years	LW, RW	Aizawl FC
K.Lalmalsawma	19 years	RB	ATK (Season-long Loan)
Nitesh Aswani	22 years	CB, RB	FC Pune City
Tonmoy Ghosh	26 years	RB, LB	Mohammedan SC
Amoes T	24 years	CM	FC Bengaluru United
Royal Basumatary	22 years	GK	FC Bardez

South United adds four new players to the squad

South United Media

South United have completed the signings of Riswanali (Striker), Kishori (Striker), Sharukh Rahman (Central Midfielder), and Shinu Siluvapillai (Centre Back). It’s a mix of players with potential and quality to match the ambition of South United FC. 

Speaking on the signings, Director of South United Football Club, Sharan Parikh, said, “We are delighted to bring Riswan, Shinu, Kishori, and Sharukh on board. They bring a fresh outlook to our squad that we hope will serve us well in the upcoming season. Our goal will be to help them grow and develop at South United.” 

The new players and the new head coach Miquel Llado have begun the season well. The Spanish coach spoke about his vision for the team and how he saw these players in the mix, saying, “The style of football we want to play at South United Football Club is challenging and technical. We want to have the ball and command the play.” 

“From what we’ve seen in training these boys will help us refine that style. They’re full of potential and I hope we can bring the best out of them.” 

Among the new signing is 22-year-old Riswanali who comes to South United with loads of promise, having played with the likes of Gokulam FC and Chennai City FC. Following these spells was his 2017-18 season with the Kerala Blasters Reserve Team in the I-League 2nd Division. His stint at City Athletic FC didn’t last too long before South United FC came calling. 

Joining him, to bolster the attack is 19-year-old Kishori. A graduate of the BFC Academy, he has since sharpened his skills with the BFC U18 team. 

The club has also reeled in Sharukh Rahman from Peerless Sports Club, where he lit up the pitch for 4 years. The 25-year-old featured in the massive win for Peerless SC against East Bengal in the Calcutta Football League. 

Rounding up the newest arrivals is 22-year-old Shinu Siluvapillai fresh from his experience in the I-League with Gokulam Kerala FC.

Shinu Siluvapillai

Rino returns to Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media

BFC, on Wednesday, announced that right-back Rino Anto has returned to the club, signing on a two-year-deal that will keep him in Bengaluru colours until the end of the 2019-2020 season. The 30-year-old, who made the switch to Kerala Blasters in the ISL draft at the start of the 2017-18 season, returns ahead of the Blues’ 2018 AFC Cup Inter-zone semi-final against Altyn Asyr FK.

“I’m glad to be back at this club where I made so many memories and I cannot wait to get on the pitch in a Bengaluru FC shirt once again. It’s never easy to be a part of a club where the level of competition is so high, but I’m ready for the challenge,” said Rino, who made 80 appearances in his first four seasons with the Blues.

Having won the I-League in his debut season with the club in 2014, Rino was part of the club’s squad that won the Federation Cup titles in 2015 and 2017, reclaimed the I-League title in 2016 and also played in the AFC Cup final of 2016, in Doha.

"We're very happy to have Rino back, he's been a star performer for us in our entire journey, including being a club captain. He's been a leader for us and has a very strong connect with the fans, who I'm sure will be equally excited to have him back. Rino is a national team player and we look to see him back there, representing club and country," said club COO, Mustafa Ghouse

Bengaluru take on Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr FK in the first leg of their AFC Cup 2018 Inter-zone semi-final at the Kanteerava Stadium, on August 22.

Kean Lewis joins Bengaluru FC

Bengauru FC Media 

With a little more than two months before their AFC Cup Inter-Zone Semifinal clash against Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr, Bengaluru FC have begun fortifying the squad, signing versatile winger Kean Lewis on a one-year deal, the club announced on Sunday.

Twenty-five-year-old Kean whose previous ISL stints include FC Pune City and Delhi Dynamos trained at the Tata Football Academy for two seasons before heading to the United States of America to complete his education and pursue professional football. He joined the U23 team of MLS side Houston Dynamos before switching to NPSL side Laredo Heat.

“I am very excited on signing with Bengaluru FC. I’ve constantly heard of how the club is set up professionally on and off the pitch. The football aside, I’ve heard so many good things about the management and it’s nice to be able to turn out for a team that is keen on improving every aspect,” said the Mumbai-born player whose first professional stint in Indian football was with Mohun Bagan.

A versatile option in attack, Lewis has been preferred on the left side of the pitch for most of his career and he’s confident of settling in soon. “The squad has some very experienced players and this is a big opportunity for me to learn and get better. I’m looking forward to pre-season and I’m certain I won’t take much time to blend into the Bengaluru style of play,” he added. 

Nishu Kumar, Semboi Haokip sign new two-year contracts for Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media 

Defender Nishu Kumar and striker Thongkhosiem Haokip have signed new two-year contracts, keeping them with Bengaluru FC till the end of the 2020 season, the club announced on Tuesday.

While the duo was used sparingly in the Indian Super League by former coach Albert Roca, they were key to Bengaluru’s AFC Cup campaign where the Blues made the knock-out stages for the fourth straight season.

Nishu, who joined the club in 2015, scored a vital 90th minute winner in the group stage game against New Radiant at the Kanteerava and finished the Blues’ season with a fantastic brace away to Abahani Dhaka where Roca’s boys sealed qualification to the next round of the Cup.

“I am delighted to extend my stay at a club where I have grown with every passing training session. I’ve had to fight for my chances this season and that’s always a good sign because you’re working harder than you would have. The management, coaching staff, dressing room and the fans have always been so supportive of me and I think this was an easy decision to make,” said Nishu who turns twenty-one later this year.

Haokip, who was picked in the ISL draft back in July 2017, played a key role in a season where Roca rotated his squad heavily owing the fixture pile up. Playing nine games in the Asian campaign of 2018, Haokip struck three goals in the qualifying stages, which included a match winning brace in the play-off stage game against TC Sports Club from Maldives as Bengaluru booked a berth in the group stages of the competition. 

Dimas Delgado signs on for one more year with Bengaluru

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC have handed a one-year contract extension to playmaker Dimas Delgado which will see him with the Blues till the end of 2018-19 season, the club announced on Thursday. The Santa Coloma de Gramanet-born midfielder becomes the sixth player to sign an extension following Rahul Bheke, Juanan Gonzalez, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Erik Paartalu and Boithang Haokip.

Having completed formalities on his extension, Dimas Delgado said, “I’m very happy to have signed for another season with Bengaluru FC. My experience at this club has been amazing so far, and our journey in the Indian Super League and AFC Cup was a memorable one. My family and I have enjoyed our time here so far and we want it to carry on. I want to stay on, fight hard and win the ISL and every other trophy we are competing for. I would like to thank everyone involved in making this decision easier for me.”

Having joined from Western Sydney Wanderers ahead of the Blues' 2017 AFC Cup knock-out rounds, 35-year-old Dimas went on to become a fan favourite, after making his debut in the 3-0 home win over North Korean side 4.25 SC back in August 2017.

The Spaniard has been one of the stand-out performers for the Blues, making a total of 1,120 passes in 17 games in the Indian Super League, the most among his teammates. With an outstanding passing accuracy of 77%, Dimas bagged three assists, and even netted a goal in the Blues' clash against FC Goa at the Kanteerava in February.

Bengaluru FC sign Lenny Rodrigues

Bengaluru FC Media

Three days after signing Harmanjot Khabra, I-League champions Bengaluru FC have made yet another inclusion in the midfield by getting aboard Lenny Rodrigues on a season-long loan deal from ISL side FC Pune City, the club announced on Thursday. 

Standing at 6’1, the lanky twenty-nine-year-old from Goa will look to lend his experience to Albert Roca’s side having previously spent six seasons with Churchill Brothers along with loan stints with Dempo and Mohun Bagan. “This is a dream for me. I was in talks with Bengaluru when the club was formed in 2013 but things didn’t work out due to my existing commitments. It’s nice to be able to get that chance again and I want to make it count. It’s an honour to turn out for a champion side like Bengaluru’s,” said Lenny who joined the team for a training session on Thursday. 

Bengaluru coach Albert Roca said he was confident about the value addition that Lenny would bring to the squad. “We’ve been keeping an eye on Lenny and I have even been watching some old footage of him. We think he will fit well into our system and we’re glad to have him on the team,” said Roca.

Lenny, meanwhile, said he was keen to play in front of the rather vociferous home support that the Blues enjoy. “I’ve seen how loud the Bengaluru fans are and it’s fantastic the way they back the team. It will be nice to experience that on the other side this time,” he said.

Bengaluru FC sign midfielder Khabra

Bengaluru FC Media 

With less than a month to the start of the 2016-17 I-League season, Bengaluru FC have strengthened their roster by signing experienced midfielder Harmanjot Khabra, the club announced on Monday. The versatile 28-year-old who can play in defence too, last turned out for Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC and joins the Indian champions on a season-long loan deal.  

“I’m thankful to the Bengaluru FC who pursued me. I must be doing something right to have been picked up by the champions of India. This is a new era in my career and I want to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to playing alongside the likes of Chhetri and Eugene and want to do my bit in helping BFC win trophies,” said Khabra who turned out for East Bengal for seven seasons, a few of them as skipper of the Kolkata club. 

Hailing from Kaharpur in Punjab, Khabra passed out from the Tata Football Academy before signing for Sporting Clube de Goa with whom he spent three seasons. Having turned out for the India U16 and U19 sides, Khabra made his senior team debut in 2011. 

Blues coach Albert Roca said he was confident that his new signing would add impetus to a season where Bengaluru looks to defend its League title and will be competing in the AFC Champions League preliminary qualifying stages. 

“Harmanjot comes with a lot of experience that will be very handy as the season progresses. It’s going to be a busy and a tough calendar for us and while it was important to add to the squad, we wanted to be sure about the quality being brought in and Harmanjot ticks that box,” said Roca. 

Khabra, who took part in his first training session with Bengaluru on Monday, will wear the number 10 shirt for the Blues. 

John Johnson signs two-year deal, to stay with Bengaluru till 2017-18 season

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC have signed defensive mainstay John Johnson on a new two-year deal that keeps with the champions of India till the end of the 2017-18 season, the club announced on Monday.

Johnson had signed with the Blues since the club’s inception before going on to spend three seasons during which he won two I-League titles and one Federation Cup crown with BFC. He was named the League’s ‘Best Defender’ for the 2015-16 last month as the Blues put behind the disappointment of being edged out by Mohun Bagan in the 2014-15 season at the death to bring back the title to Bengaluru.

“John Johnson has been immense for the club and has been the kind of leader who doesn’t need an armband. We are at a very crucial phase at the club and getting him on board for another two seasons puts us in a very good position. He’s always inspiring the lads on the pitch and is a great character to have in the dressing room, needless to say he’s a fan favourite,” said Mustafa Ghouse, COO, Bengaluru FC.

Ever since his first season in India, Johnson has been on the radar of a fair number of clubs but the No.6 said signing a new deal with the Blues was one of the easier choices he’s made. “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract. Bengaluru FC is home to me. I’ve enjoyed every minute of the three seasons that I’ve spent here and I still feel I have a lot more to offer and achieve with this team. I’ve personally enjoyed great support from the fans and it’s nice to know I will be seeing them again. It’s going to be an important season ahead and I’m already looking forward to it,” said Johnson.       

Bengaluru sign ’keeper Nikhil Bernard

Bengaluru FC Media 

Bengaluru Football Club on Tuesday, announced the signing of goalkeeper Nikhil Bernard, who last played for I-League side Royal Wahingdoh, until the end of the 2015-16 season. The 26-year-old Bengalurean joins the Blues after securing promotion from the I-League second division with Wahingdoh before helping them finish third on the League table last season.

“I’m very happy to have joined Bengaluru FC. The opportunity to work with Head Coach Ashley Westwood and under the guidance of Goalkeeper Coach Ali Uzunhasanoglu excites me. The training sessions are very dynamic and modern and I’ve learned a lot already,” said Bernard.

Bernard completes Bengaluru FC's goalkeeping roster which includes Lalthuammawia Ralte and another signing in Amrinder Singh, who has joined on loan from Pune FC. 

Len and Kim to play for the Blues next season

Bengaluru FC media 

Bengaluru FC, on Wednesday, announced the signings of strikers Kim Seng-Yong and Seiminlen Doungel as the Blues are looking to build on what’s been a successful second season where they finished winners of the Federation Cup, runners-up in the I-League and made the last-16 of the AFC Cup.

North Korean Kim is no stranger to Indian football having turned out for Rangdajied United before he switched to Royal Wahingdoh last season where he played a key role in the club’s third place finish. A clinical finisher with an impressive aerial prowess, Kim will replace Australian striker Sean Rooney whose contract with the Blues has expired.

“I am extremely happy to have signed for Bengaluru FC. I consider myself lucky to have been given a chance to play for a club like this. They have done an amazing job on and off the pitch over the past two years. I am looking forward to playing under the guidance of Ashley Westwood and the rest of the staff, and I will do my best to contribute towards the team's success on all fronts,” said Kim who is on a one year deal with the club having the choice to extend it for another year.

Twenty-one-year-old Manipuri lad Doungel, who has signed a two-year deal, is the other addition to the Blues’ armoury alongside Kim.  The former East Bengal and Shillong Lajong striker said he was excited on signing for the Federation Cup champions. “It makes me happy to say that I am part of Bengaluru FC. It’s a club where I know I will improve as a player and I cannot wait to be a part of wonderful things the club does,” said Doungel.

Bengaluru FC COO, Mustafa Ghouse said the duo had caught the coaching staff’s attention for a while and that Blues were happy to have closed on their targets. “Kim and Len are both very talented players and have been on our radar for some time now. We are certain the fans will be happy to see them in the BFC blue next season, just as we are. We would also like to thank Sean Rooney whose contribution to the club in our first two season has been immense and we wish him all the best for his future endeavours,” said Ghouse.