ISL 2024-25: Punjab FC rope in Nihal Sudeesh and Ninthoi Meetei
Indian Super League outfit Punjab FC have announced the signing of two wingers Nihal Sudeesh and Ninthoi Meetei. Sudeesh has joined the club on loan from his parent side Kerala Blasters. Meanwhile, Ninthoi Meetei has penned a three-year deal at Punjab FC, which will keep him at the club till 2027.
Notably, Ninthoi Meetei was a part of India's U-17 squad which played host to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. His first professional club was Indian Arrows, for whom he scored twice in 25 appearances. Later on, he shifted base to NorthEast United and registered 24 appearances for them. In 2021, impressed by his prowess and efficiency, Chennaiyin FC signed him. He made 26 appearances for the side across two seasons.
Nihal Sudeesh, on the other hand, joined Kerala Blasters way back in 2019 and was an integral part of their reserve team which played in the I-League Second Division. In 2020, he signed for Indian Navy but again returned to the Blasters and quit his job in the process.
His ISL debut came in the 2022-23 campaign. In the latest edition of the league, he marked eight appearances for Kerala Blasters and scored one goal and assisted once.
Punjab FC's Football Director, Nikolaos Topoliatis said in a statement:
“We are happy to have signed Ninthoi and Nihal for the upcoming season. Both are young players who will add speed through the wings, creating opportunities for the forwards to score. Both players will have a vital role to play in the upcoming season.”
Punjab FC's preparations for this season
Punjab FC have started their preparations on a good note. After parting ways with Staikos Vergetis, the management brought in Panagiotis Dilmperis as their new head coach. Moreover, the club has also signed midfielder Vinit Rai and goalkeeper Muheet Shabir.
Punjab FC are expected to witness a major overhaul in the foreign contingent for the upcoming season. Last season, the club made their debut in the top tier of Indian football and ended the campaign on the eighth spot. This time out, they'll definitely be vying for a playoff spot.