ISL 2020-21: Anirudh Thapa set to sign new two-year contract at Chennaiyin FC

Anirudh Thapa is on the verge of signing a new two-year contract at Chennaiyin FC that will see him stay with the two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions until 2022, The Bridge understands.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined Chennaiyin back in 2016, has emerged as one of the key players for his club as well as the national team over the last couple of seasons. Last season, under coach Owen Coyle, Thapa really bloomed, acting as the midfield lynchpin for Chennai. He was directly involved in six goals (1 goal and 5 assists). His only goal came in the vital first leg playoff clash against league toppers FC Goa.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODLkt9Us9uw

Evidently, the Chennaiyin management were extremely keen on tying him down as his contract ran out on May 31st, 2020. There was some interest from other ISL clubs, one of them being Bengaluru FC, but it is learnt that Thapa will stay put in Chennai at least for a couple more seasons. Confirmation of the deal, which will see him become one of the highest paid Indian players in the squad, could come within a few days. Word is, he is seen as a future captain who can lead by example.

Chennaiyin still have a major part of business left to do this transfer window but securing the youngster, touted as one of the next big things in Indian football, will be a big boost for them as well as their fans.

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