ISL 2022-23: Sandesh Jhingan departs ATK Mohun Bagan; Eli Sabia extends Jamshedpur FC stay

India’s talisman defender Sandesh Jhingan has parted ways with ATK Mohun Bagan, the club announced on Thursday on their social media handles. Jhingan had played for half a season for the Mariners in the previous edition of the Hero ISL.

Meanwhile, the defender left for Croatian top-tier club HNK Sibenik after the end of the ISL 2020-21 season but his campaign was ended due to injury and thus he rejoined ATK Mohun Bagan.

The 29-year-old had made his Hero ISL debut with Kerala Blasters in the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2014. After his impressive show in the maiden season of the competition, he was awarded the Emerging Player of the tournament.

Jhinga is regarded as one of the best Indian defenders and makes great use of his height to take advantage against the opposition’s strikers. He was also named as AIFF Player of the Year for the 2020-21 campaign and was bestowed with Arjuna Award in 2020.

Jhingan made 30 clearances, 25 tackles, 14 interceptions, and 13 blocks along with a passing accuracy of 86% in nine matches he played in the previous season for ATK Mohun.

On the other hand, Eli Sabia has signed a one-year contract extension with Jamshedpur FC. The new contract will keep the Brazilian till the end of the 2023 season, the club announced on its social media handles on Thursday.

“I see Jamshedpur as a club and a city with big ambitions. We became Champions of India last season, and I come again with the aim of defending this title, bringing more glory and breaking more records in front of the packed JRD Tata Sports Complex. Look forward to working with a head coach who is renowned for getting the best out of the players” said Eli on signing with Jamshedpur.

Sabia will join his teammates during the pre-season which will begin in mid-August.