ISL 2017/18: NorthEast United FC in close talks with Shillong Lajong winger Redeem Tlang
What’s the story?
23-year-old winger, Redeem Tlang is close to signing a two year deal with the Avram Grant-coached side NorthEast United FC, on a free transfer. Having played for I-League side Shillong Lajong from 2009-2013, the flank runner will be looking forward to a NorthEast United FC return.
In case you didn’t know…
Born in Shillong, Tlang signed for local club Shillong Lajong back in 2009, moved to NEUFC in 2014, and re-signed with Shillong Lajong, following the lack of game time with the ISL side. He made only one appearance during the 2014/15 season.
The youngster made his first professional I-League appearance for Shillong Lajong in a fixture against Churchill Brothers back in October 2013. He was brought on as a substitute in the closing minutes of the game by his manager, Thangboi Singto as his team drew the game 2-2.
The heart of the matter
As the winger will be out of a contract by May 30, 2018, he will be a free agent and on a hunt for another club. Redeem is inching closer to making a return and agree to terms with North East United FC, in what seems like a free transfer, and a two year deal on the table, Sportskeeda has learnt.
NEUFC manager Avram Grant would be happy to work with the right winger and strengthen his squad. Redeem could turn out to be the missing piece in Grant’s puzzle, as the former Chelsea manager would be looking to make amends towards what turned out to be an unsuccessful season for the Guwahati-based ISL franchise.
What’s next?
As a fresh Indian Super League will kick off in a few months, the signing of Redeem Tlang could turn out to be a highly crucial one, should the play-maker be handed sufficient game time. Having finished the 2017/18 ISL season right at the bottom of the points table, the Highlanders will be certain to do better than that, and contest harder.
Author’s take
After spending so much time with a club like Shillong Lajong, Redeem could be the game changer for Grant’s NorthEast United squad, and help the struggling Guwahati-based side qualify for the ISL semifinals for the first time.