2020-21 Indian Super League champions Mumbai City have confirmed on Thursday they have reached an agreement with Kerala Blasters for the transfer of left-back Sanjeev Stalin. The 21-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the Islanders until May 2026.
“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.
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,”
the player said in a media release that informed of his signing.
Stalin advanced through the ranks of the AIFF Elite Academy to represent India at the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup. In 2017, he joined Indian Arrows, making 28 appearances in two seasons, before moving to Portugal in 2019, where he played for Desportivo Aves U23 and had a loan spell with Sertanense.
Stalin moved to Kerala Blasters in March 2021 and made eight appearances in his first India Super League season in 2021-22, which saw the club finish as runners-up behind Hyderabad.
Mumbai manager Buckingham described the defender as “one of the most exciting talents in the country”.
“Sanjeev is certainly one of the most exciting talents in the country. 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 setup as well, and I wish him the very best.”
Meanwhile, the Blasters have replaced the Mumbai-bound player by signing central defender Victor Mongil, who donned the jersey of Odisha FC last season.
