Punjab FC announce the signings of Vinit Rai and Muheet Shabir ahead of 2024-25 season
Punjab FC have announced the arrival of midfielder Vinit Rai and goalkeeper Muheet Shabir, marking their first signings of the summer ahead of the 2024-25 season. Vinit Rai, who joins from ISL champions Mumbai City FC, brings valuable experience to the Punjab FC midfield.
The 26-year-old began his career at I-League club Dempo before moving to the ISL with Kerala Blasters FC in the 2016-17 season. After making just two appearances for Kerala Blasters, Rai moved to Delhi Dynamos (now defunct) and then Odisha FC, where he captained the side during the 2019-20 season. It was at Odisha where he established himself, making 70 appearances in all competitions over four seasons.
Following a successful spell at Odisha, Rai transferred to Mumbai City FC, where he won the ISL Shield title, Durand Cup, and ISL Cup during his three-year stay. Despite making 58 appearances for the Islanders, he was often used as a backup, prompting his move to Punjab FC for more consistent game time.
Meanwhile, Muheet Shabir began his career at J&K Sports Council Football Academy before moving to Kerala Blasters FC reserve team in 2020.
After a couple of years with the ISL club, Shabir joined Real Kashmir FC last season, where he excelled, keeping 12 clean sheets in 23 games, the highest in the league. With Kiran Chemjong departing, the 22-year-old could become the first-choice keeper at the club for the upcoming season.
"Both players will have a vital role to play in the upcoming season" - Punjab FC technical director Nikolaos Topoliatis
Punjab FC have certainly opted for a squad overhaul, beginning with the departure of head coach Staikos Vergitis and the appointment of Panagiotis Dilmperis as his successor.
Technical Director Nikolaos Topoliatis expressed confidence that both new signings will be valuable additions to the team, highlighting Rai’s experience and Shabir’s potential as vital for their aspirations.
“We are happy to have signed both Vinit and Muheet to our side for the upcoming season. Vinit is a vastly experienced and dynamic midfielder who will add weight to the side. Muheet is an exciting young goalkeeper who will be a great asset to the team. Both players will have a vital role to play in the upcoming season," Topoliatis said (via PFC Media)
Reports suggest that Chennaiyin FC winger Ninthoi Meetei, Odisha FC midfielder Princeton Rebello, and Kerala Blasters winger Nihal Sudeesh are also set to join the club, improving their depth in the attacking areas. Additionally, with the departure of all six foreign players, Punjab are expected to be active in the market to secure new signings ahead of the Durand Cup.