Bangalore: Bengaluru FC announced that they are retaining five players from their championship-winning team by handing them new one-year deals.
The club has also converted two loan signings from last season into year-long moves for the coming year.
Winger Beikhokhei Beingaichho and right-back Rino Anto, who has had an impressive season himself, have both penned new deals as have midfielder Darren Caldeira, CK Vineeth and central defender NS Manju. Youngsters Soram Poirei (goalkeeper) and Shankar S (defender), who were on loan last season, have been signed on one-year deals also.
“I am thrilled to have extended my stay at Bengaluru FC. Last season was special for the club and me personally,” said Anto, who coach Ashley Westwood has often touted as the best right-back in the country. Westwood said the retaining of the players was important for the club’s coming season.
“We are very pleased to have secured the signatures of the players who have all played their part in us being successful last season. It was important for the club to retain the core strength of the team in a bid to remain consistent,” he stated. (PTI)