Mohun Bagan Super Giant sign Lalengmawia 'Apuia' Ralte
Lalengmawia 'Apuia' Ralte is traveling from the west coast to the east, as ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant announced his signing on Tuesday, June 25.
The former Mumbai City FC midfielder was on the radar of several clubs, most significantly East Bengal - Bagan's arch-rivals. The two Kolkata giants were at loggerheads to acquire his signature.
However, it was the Green and Maroon brigade who trounced their neighbors and triggered Apuia's release clause in his Mumbai City contract. It is reported that the midfielder has signed a five-year contract with the reigning league winners.
A product of the AIFF Elite Academy, Apuia caught the eyes of NorthEast United FC scouts while plying his trade for the Indian Arrows. At NEUFC, Apuia's on-pitch quality soon saw him become the captain of the side.
His breakout season with the Highlanders won him a move to Mumbai City FC where he became a regular starter in head coach Des Buckingham's midfield. Apuia started in every single Mumbai City FC game in the 2021-22 AFC Champions League Group Stage.
The man from Aizawl settled right in beside Ahmed Jahouh, operating as the more defensive partner, while his Moroccan counterpart controlled the game's tempo. His elite technical ability and composure on the ball saw him consistently feature for the Islanders whenever he was fit.
He lifted the ISL League Shield in the 2022-23 season, a crucial cog in the MCFC wheel. Come 2023, he featured again in the AFC Champions League and partnered Yoell Van Nief and Alberto Noguera in midfield, with Jahouh leaving to join Odisha FC.
Despite a midseason managerial change with Peter Kratky replacing Buckingham, Apuia continued to be a crucial starter. He played the full 90 minutes of the final against Bagan in a packed Salt Lake Stadium, as the Islanders emerged victorious and lifted their second ISL trophy.
Mohun Bagan's abundance of Indian talent
Apuia's inclusion to the squad means that the Mariners have three of the best Indian midfielders, with Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa in the mix.
New head coach Jose Molina could easily play an all Indian midfield in certain circumstances to prioritize his attack or defense with more foreigners. Despite the departure of the talented Kiyan Nassiri, Mohun Bagan have the bulk of the young Indian talent, which has set them up with a strong core for the upcoming seasons.
The competition for spots in Molina's playing eleven will be crunch and very entertaining to witness for all Mariners' fans.