Bengaluru FC agree deal to sign Dempo midfielder Pronay Halder for Rs 15 lakh
Bengaluru FC have agreed to sign Pronay Halder from Dempo Sports club, according to Times of India. The 2014-15 I-League runner-ups have offered Rs 15 lakh as the transfer fee for the Indian midfielder after his team was relegated from the I-League.
The 22-year-old will sign a long-term contract with Bengaluru FC after the completion of his stint at FC Goa in the second edition of the Indian Super League, which will take place later this year. He had been given the opportunity to leave Dempo despite being on a two-year contract worth Rs 90 lakh with the Goan club after the former I-League champions finished in 10th place in the league last season, which confirmed their drop to the second division.
Pronay Halder has not seen too much football recently after picking up an injury before the first edition of the ISL, which kept him out of the competition and also saw him miss most of the 2014-15 ISL season. He has been touted as one of the most promising Indian talents due to his sound technique and footballing brain and his primary position is as a defensive midfielder.
He also has experience on the international level, having represented India’s U-19 outfit in three matches. He also took part in the 2013 AFC U-22 Asian Cup qualification in Oman, playing four matches in the tournament. The 22-year-old was recently called cup to the National team by coach Stephen Constantine for the friendly against Nepal on the 31st of August.
Westwood delighted with Alwyn signing
In other news, Alwyn George was signed by Bengaluru FC on a one-year deal, with an option of a year’s extension. The midfielder was also plying his trade for Dempo last season and was on the lookout for a new club following his club’s drop.
Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood was delighted with Alwyn’s signing and expects his latest acquisition to showcase his potential at the club.
“We're delighted to have Alwyn on the team. He is the first Indian player who had my attention simply because of the potential and natural ability he put on display. A lot more was expected of him but, for whatever the reasons be, he hasn't been able to do justice to his potential. He's certainly a player who we can improve and get him back to his best. I see this signing as an asset to the team,” said Westwood.
Alwyn George began his career as a Tata Football Academy product, before signing his first professional contract with Pailan Arrows in 2011. He moved to Dempo in 2013 and made 34 league appearances for them over two seasons, scoring twice. He has played for India’s national side as well, representing the U-23 and senior teams.