Odisha FC rope in defender Laldinliana Renthlei ahead of ISL 2023-24, Bengaluru FC sign goalkeeper Vikram Singh

Odisha FC has roped in the services of Laldinliana Renthlei on a three-year deal ahead of the Hero Indian Super League 2023-24, the club announced on Thursday. Renthlei makes a move to the Juggernauts from Jamshedpur FC, and the Red Miners have also announced the departures of Ishan Pandita, Boris Singh, and Farukh Choudhary.

In fact, Renthlei played an instrumental role in helping Jamshedpur FC win the League Shield in the 2021-22 season and he will look to deliver the goods for Odisha FC.

The 24-year-old Dinliana began his footballing career in the Mizoram Premier League (MPL) with Chhinga Veng. After his impressive performances, he was loaned out to Aizawl FC in the Hero I-League.

Renthlei has amassed 75 appearances in the Hero ISL and has recorded 251 tackles, 106 interceptions, 208 clearances, and 102 blocks during his five seasons in the tournament.

The youngster is delighted to join Odisha FC ahead of the next ISL season. He said, “I am really excited to have joined the Kalinga Warriors. I am looking forward to getting started, meeting everyone, and playing in front of our fans at the Kalinga Stadium. Let’s go Odisha!”

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC has signed the services of goalkeeper Vikram Singh ahead of the ISL 2023-24 season on a one-year contract. Singh played for Aizawl FC in the Hero I-League.

“I’m really excited to start a new journey as I believe it is one that will help me progress as a goalkeeper. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, the coaches and of course the fans who are famous all over the country,” said Vikram, after putting pen to paper on his deal.

In 2022-23, Vikram played 12 matches for Aizawl, as the club finished in 7th place in the League.

“Vikram showed glimpses of promise with Aizawl FC, and we believe that working with our coaches and the other ’keepers in our system will really help him take his game to the next level. He has all the right attributes to evolve into a goalkeeper at the highest level, and we believe his addition can improve our unit as a whole,” said the Blues’ Director of Football, Darren Caldeira.