ISL: Ex-Mohun Bagan midfielder Joseba Beitia signs for RoundGlass Punjab FC

Former Mohun Bagan midfielder Joseba Beitiahas signed for RG Punjab FC on a 2-year contract after being released by the Mariners, The Bridge can confirm. The 2019-20 Mohun Bagan player of the season in the I-League is one of several players that have left the Kolkata giants after their entry into the Indian Super League as ATK Mohun Bagan. It is learnt that although there were offers from elsewhere, the 30-year-old Spaniard has decided to join RG Punjab (formerly Minerva Punjab) in the I-League with an announcement to be made soon.

Beitia joined Bagan last year after a spell at Spanish Segunda Division B side Real Union the previous season. The former Real Sociedad youth player impressed in his solitary season for the Green and Maroons scoring 3 goals and assisting 9 in the I-league, with a further goal and an assist in the Durand Cup. He was an important cog in the Mohun Bagan midfield last year under then manager Kibu Vicuna, starting every single I-League match and dictating the tempo of the game from the middle of the park.

Vicuna was rumoured to be interested in bringing Beitia to Kerala Blasters this season after their successful collaboration in Kolkata. However, Blasters Sporting Director KarolisSkinkys and the senior club management seemed unconvinced that he would be the best option to anchor their midfield and after an initial verbal offer, the move failed to materialize. Beitia also had an offer from Churchill Brothers but has decided to join the new project at RG Punjab FC, who will be looking to challenge for the I-League title this season following SC East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan’s departure.

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