ISL 2017/18: Bengaluru FC extend Rahul Bheke's contract till 2021
What’s the story?
Bengaluru FC extended the contract of full-back Rahul Bheke by three years. This move will keep the talented Indian footballer in the Bengaluru FC squad till May 2021.
Bheke has been an influential player for the Blues and keeping in mind the future competitions, the BFC management decided to extend his contract.
In case you didn’t know...
Bheke, who was picked by BFC in the ISL draft last year, started his senior career with Air India. He came in the reckoning after impressive performances at now-defunct I-League club Mumbai FC. He then signed for Kolkata giants East Bengal. Bheke had a stint with Kerala Blasters and FC Pune City in previous ISL editions before being signed by Bengaluru FC.
The heart of the matter
Bengaluru FC took to Twitter to announce the signing of this versatile player who easily slots into any defensive position as per the requirement of the team.
Bheke has been a regular figure in the BFC squad having played 20 matches for the Blues in all competitions. Like all full backs of the current era, Bheke also helps out the strikers by running up and down the flanks. He has himself scored two goals this season - both the strikes came in AFC Cup encounters.
BFC management were aware that open market system would be in place next season and was quick to extend the contract of their dependable player.
What’s next?
Bengaluru FC will be playing a lot of games in the next month having qualified for the AFC Cup group stage. Bheke’s services thus become that much more valuable for the current leaders of ISL.
Author’s take
Bheke, who has been a standout performer for Bengaluru FC is just 27 years old and has a long career ahead of him. Thus it made absolute sense for BFC to extend his contract. Good teams always try to maintain the core of their squads and it seems Bengaluru are following a similar course of action.