I-League 2020-21: Star defender set to return to East Bengal from Mohun Bagan

Lalramchullova, or Chullova as he is populary known, is all set to return to his former football club East Bengal from Mohun Bagan, The Bridge understands.

The century-old club have been in talks with Chullova for some time now and the 25-year-old centre back, who can also double up as a left back, has agreed terms which will see him join on a two year deal.

Interestingly, though, this will be his second stint with the club. Chullova had joined East Bengal in 2017 after helping Aizawl FC lift the I-League title. Then he spent two successful seasons with the Red and Golds before making the switch to rivals Mohun Bagan.

At Bagan, however, he did not get as many chances as Kibu Vicuna preferred the foreign pairing of Fran Morante and Daniel Cyrus in the heart of the defence while Ashutosh Mehta and Dhanachandra Singh operated in the full back positions.

Chullova in action (Source: AIFF)

Chullova only made five I-League appearances. He did end up finishing on top of the table with the team, with four matches in hand, but the lack of game time frustrated him. Now when East Bengal have come calling again, Chullova does not want to hesitate.

East Bengal have been quite active in the transfer market in recent times having confirmed the signings of Indo-Iranian winger Omid Singh and Indian national team forward Balwant Singh. They have also approached several other Indian players like Gurtej Singh, Milan Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Sehnaj Singh, Ishan Pandita and Chennaiyin FC duo Rafael Crivellaro and Jeje Lalpekhlua.

The kind of signings East Bengal are making, or the ones they want to make, clearly indicate that they want to play in the Indian Super League (ISL) next season. However, we will have to wait and see if that happens or not.

Also read: I-League 2020-21: East Bengal in close contact to sign Ishan Pandita