ISL: Mumbai City FC rope in experienced goalkeeper TP Rehenesh
Indian Super League 2023-24 Cup winners Mumbai City FC have bolstered their squad by adding highly experienced Indian goalkeeper TP Rehenesh to the ranks. The club announced on Tuesday (June 18), that Rehenesh has penned a three-year contract, which will keep him at the Islanders till the summer of 2027.
A look at all the goalkeepers from the ISL clubs will draw a conclusion that TP Rehenesh is perhaps the most experienced of them all along with Bengaluru FC goalie Gurpreet Singh Sandhu and Odisha FC custodian Amrinder Singh. The 31-year-old has also previously won the ISL Shield during his stay at Jamshedpur FC, under the stewardship of Owen Coyle.
After signing the contract with Mumbai City FC, TP Rehenesh said in a statement:
“Joining Mumbai City FC is a matter of pride for me. Mumbai City FC is one the most consistent teams in India and I am excited to begin my new journey with the club. The team has been exceptional in recent years, winning trophies and performing at the highest level.
"I am thrilled to be working with such a talented squad. I am eager to contribute to the team and hope to help them win more silverware in the upcoming seasons," he added.
Mumbai City FC had parted ways with Mohammad Nawaz, their second-choice keeper, in the past seasons. So definitely, they were in search for a senior figure, who can fill up the void. Rehenesh, who has over 200 domestic appearances, is perhaps the perfect fit, considering his experience in the Indian football circuit.
The Islanders' head coach Petr Kratky further shared his views on Rehenesh's acquisition in the statement:
“TP Rehenesh is one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the country and we are happy that he decided to join us. His character and personality both on and off the field will be a great addition in the squad, along with his ability to make match-winning saves and protect the goal always will be a great asset to the team. I look forward to having him with the club and working with him.”
Mumbai City FC's preparations for upcoming season
Mumbai City FC have seen quite a few key members of their ISL-winning side leave in the past few weeks. Skipper Rahul Bheke, midfielder Alberto Noguera and forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz have left the club to join Bengaluru FC.
Spanish defender Tiri is the only foreigner whom the club has retained alongside Indian youngsters like Valpuia. Notably, TP Rehenesh is the second Indian acquisition of Mumbai City FC this season after Brandon Fernandes. The club is yet to announce vital foreign signings for the upcoming season and is expected to do so during the next few weeks.