European football is the highest level of the sport in the world, and some of the best players in the world have taken to the continent to compete among the best.
Several Indian names such as Sunil Chhetri, Baichung Bhutia and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have had the opportunity to play and train with European clubs. Most recently, ATK Mohun Bagan defender Sandesh Jhingan had the opportunity to do so and spent half a year in Croatia.
But, not all trials for Indian footballers go according to plan. And in this article, we will talk about five Indian players who had unsuccessful European trials.
5 Indian footballers who had unsuccessful European trials
5. Mehtab Hossain
Mehtab Hossain has appeared for various European trials, but none of them resulted in any opportunities. The first opportunity came with Scottish club Airdrie FC in 2012. He was also held back due to work permit issues, which is still a problem for Indian footballers.
4. Ashique Kuruniyan
Kuruniyan was given a chance to play for Spanish side Villarreal C, at the age of 19. His time was cut short due a hamstring injury, and he is now featuring for ISL club Bengaluru FC as one of their most promising players.
3. Jeje Lalpekhlua
Jeje Lalpekhlua had the chance to impress Rangers, but was plagued by a number of difficulties. Being unable to adapt to the weather, visa problems and the manager’s busy schedule meant that the player was unable to have a proper trial or feature in a friendly either. Jeje currently features for SC East Bengal in the ISL.
2. Lallianzuala Chhangte
Chhangte currently plays for Chennaiyin FC in the ISL, and had the chance to trial for Norwegian club Viking FK in 2019. However, he realised that the team had taken their weekend off on arrival. He could only get a couple of training sessions before returning to the country.
1. Brandon Fernandes
The midfielder had the chance to trial for South African club ASD early in his career, followed by English sides Reading, Sunderland and Leicester City. However, none of the trials bore fruit for the Goan midfielder. He now plays for FC Goa in the ISL, and has revealed that he would be open to a move to Europe of the right opportunity came.
