Mumbai City FC has officially announced the signing of striker Daniel Lalhlimpuia on a free transfer. The 26-year-old forward has inked a one-year contract with the Islanders, committing to the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.
Hailing from Mizoram, Daniel Lalhlimpuia began his football journey at the Chandigarh Football Academy. His talents soon saw him move to the AIFF Elite Academy, where he honed his skills further. Lalhlimpuia has a rich history of representing India at various youth levels, including captaining the U-19 team, and he made his senior national team debut in 2016.
Lalhlimpuia’s professional debut came with Bengaluru FC in the I-League, marking the start of his club career. He gained valuable experience in the Indian Super League (ISL) with a loan spell at Chennaiyin FC, followed by stints at Delhi Dynamos, Odisha FC, and Punjab FC. Over his career, Lalhlimpuia has accumulated over 130 club appearances, showing his reliability and endurance as a forward.
Daniel Lalhlimpuia expressed his enthusiasm for joining Mumbai City FC, stating, “It’s a dream come true for me to join Mumbai City FC. The club’s environment is highly regarded, and I’m excited to train with the best players in the country. I can’t wait to begin this new chapter of my life with Mumbai City and contribute in every way possible to help the team achieve its objectives for the upcoming season.”
Head Coach Petr Kratky also shared his excitement about the new signing. “Daniel is a talented player who fits our playing style and is committed to working hard. We believe he will be a great addition to our attacking unit and can contribute to achieving our targets. We welcome Daniel to the club and look forward to working with him.”
Daniel Lalhlimpuia’s playing style and characteristics are well-aligned with Mumbai City FC’s philosophy and values. His addition is expected to bolster the team’s offensive options, providing a fresh and dynamic presence up front. Known for his agility, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability, Lalhlimpuia is set to enhance the attacking depth of the Islanders.
As Mumbai City FC gears up for the upcoming season, Lalhlimpuia’s signing is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the squad amidst a period of significant transition. The club recently lost 12 first-team players, including key figures such as Apuia, Rahul Bheke, and Jorge Pereyra Diaz. The departure of these players has left gaps that new signings like Lalhlimpuia are expected to fill.
The Islanders have been active in the transfer market, bringing in several new players, including Brandon Fernandes, Jon Toral, Jérémy Manzorro, and others, to ensure the squad remains competitive. The addition of Lalhlimpuia not only provides depth but also aligns with the club’s vision of integrating talented domestic players into the team’s core.
