East Bengal are leading the race to sign Nikhil Poojary on a loan deal from Hyderabad FC until the end of the season. The right-back is expected to leave after a fallout over unpaid wages, owing to The Nizams’ poor financial condition. And a loan until the end of the season seems to be the most probable option for the defender.

Poojary has been called up to the Indian national team for the AFC Asian Cup 2023, and started both the games against Australia and Uzbekistan. And it seems likely that even if he joins the Red and Gold Brigade, he will be available after the Kalinga Super Cup.

East Bengal leading the race to sign Nikhil Poojary

Club captain and regular right-back Harmanjot Singh Khabra has picked up an injury, causing Carles Cuadrat to use different options in that position. And the arrival of a former East Bengal player in Poojary would allow them to lead the charge for a top six finish after a remarkable showing at the Super Cup.

Since Hyderabad FC are planning to send the player out on loan, it is expected that he will return to them at the end of the season. Unless they are able to sort out their financial issues, they will have to look into a permanent transfer to raise funds.

While East Bengal are currently the front runners to sign Nikhil Poojary, the deal is not done by any means. And another club could pounce on the opportunity if the deal isn’t wrapped up soon.