Mumbai City FC re-sign full-back Hardik Bhatt ahead of the ISL 2024-25 season
Mumbai City FC announced the signing of defender Hardik Bhatt on a one-year contract on Wednesday, July 17. He will stay at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.
This move marks the 27-year-old's return to the Islanders after a brief loan spell during the latter half of the 2022-23 season.
"I am delighted to be back with Mumbai City FC," he said in a club statement.
"The club holds a special place in my heart, and I am honoured to wear the jersey again. It’s a privilege to be part of a team that consistently raises the bar by winning titles, and I am looking forward to contributing to the team’s success in the upcoming season."
A Mumbai native, Hardik began his professional football career with ARA FC in Ahmedabad in 2019. Over the years, he has played for several clubs, including Bengaluru United, Hyderya Sports, and Rajasthan United.
Most recently, Hardik played for the Desert Warriors, where he made 14 appearances in the 2023-24 I-League season. In that period, he provided two assists and played a crucial role in helping Rajasthan United avoid relegation.
Meanwhile, over his career, the right-back has accumulated 47 appearances across various domestic competitions in India, scoring two goals and registering two assists.
A look at Hardik Bhatt's earlier stint with Mumbai City FC
After impressing in the I-League in Rajasthan United's debut season, Mumbai City acquired the services of Hardik Bhatt on a loan deal in January 2023.
He was handed only four matches, including three appearances in the Super Cup itself. But he became part of the squad that clinched the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2022-23 season.
Mumbai City FC's head coach Petr Kratky expressed his enthusiasm about Hardik’s return, stating in a club statement:
"We are excited to have Hardik back with the club. He is a Mumbai native who has been with us before, and he is committed to improving his game and helping us move forward."
Hardik Bhatt is already aware of the club's ethos and approach and, hence will fit into the system straightaway. With the ISL Cup holders eager to defend their title and extend their trophy tally, the full-back might not instantly walk into Kratky's lineup but could be a pivotal cover throughout the season.