ISL: Ex-Mohun Bagan defender Ashutosh Mehta signs for NorthEast United FC

Indian defender Ashutosh Mehta, who helped Mohun Bagan lift the I-League 2019-20 title, has signed a one-year deal with Indian Super League (ISL) outfit NorthEast United FC, sources confirmed to The Bridge, after multiple channels reported the development.

It’s not a secret that Ashutosh had garnered quite a lot of interest from different clubs over the summer window. Having starred through the season for Bagan in their 2nd I-League triumph, the 28-year-old was always going to be a prized catch when he became a free agent. At the end of the campaign, Bagan merged with ATK FC to enter the ISL, and that’s when his future became uncertain.

https://twitter.com/Ashutosh_mehta1/status/1240183331083284480

Kibu Vicuna, who was the head coach at Bagan last season but joined Kerala Blasters in the summer, wanted to take Ashutosh to Kochi. In fact, talks reached an advanced stage but Blasters could not free up space for the talented side back.

ATK Mohun Bagan FC, the newly-merged team, wanted to onboard him as a cover for their right back position. However, Ashutosh wanted regular first team football and decided against signing for the Green and Maroons. Then, East Bengal, who were yet to secure investors, came calling and at one point, even FC Goa showed interest.

https://twitter.com/MarcusMergulhao/status/1301791514092167168

Eventually, he decided to sign for NorthEast, where he will reunite with Khalid Jamil. It was under Jamil that Ashutosh had tasted his first success when Aizawl won the I-League title back in 2016-17.

Gerard Nus’ team have meanwhile begun the hunt for foreign players and although the budget isn’t as high as the other big-spending clubs, NorthEast are always known for punching above their weight.