ISL 2021-22: Multiple ISL sides including Mumbai City FC in talks with Narender Gahlot
The defending champions are close to sign the Jamshedpur FC defender
Indian Super League outfit Mumbai City FC are in talks with Jamshedpur FC defender Narender Gahlot, as The Bridge can exclusively confirm.
The 21 years old's current contract with Jamshedpur lasts till the end of the season. Multiple ISL sides including Mumbai City, Kerala Blasters and Bengaluru FC are in the race for the Indian international.
Sources close to the development confirmed that the defending champions are currently the forerunners in signing the talented youngster. If things remain as of now, Gehlot may be seen to join Mumbai on a multi-year deal in the upcoming summer transfer window.
In his second match for India, he scored his first-ever international goal against Syria (Image via AIFF)
Coming up through the ranks of the Chandigarh Football Academy, Gahlot made his professional debut with the Indian Arrows in the I-League. After delivering a string of good performances for the Indian Arrows, he was roped in by ISL side Jamshedpur FC ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Gahlot made 11 appearances in his first season with Jamshedpur FC and delivered some gritty performances. Narender was injured for the most part of the next season. However, he still made ten appearances for Owen Coyle's side. Both the time Jamshedpur narrowly missed the playoffs.
The Men of Steel have begun this season on a positive note and seems like they are on the right track to make the playoffs for the first time in their history. And Narender is portraying a very crucial part of Owen Coyle's team. The young defender has already appeared in 11 matches and has impressed with his defending skills.
Gahlot represented the Indian U17, U19, and U23 sides before making his debut for the senior team in 2019 against Tajikistan during the Intercontinental Cup. In his second match for India, he scored his first-ever international goal against Syria and became the first-ever Indian national team goalscorer to be born in the 21st century. The young defender was highly praised for his performance with the national side and has now been in the good books of Igor Stimac.
The Bridge understands Jamshedpur FC had shown interest in extending the defenders' stay. However, the Islanders are in advanced talks with a lucrative multi-year contract on the table to rope in the young defender.
Known for his clear tackling ability and grittiness, the young centre-back is regarded as one of the finest young players in the Indian circuit with a lot of potential. His addition to the Mumbai City FC squad will undoubtedly add more depth to the Islanders' defense next season