Chennaiyin FC have been relentless in the transfer window this far, and have now added Mandar Rao Desai from East Bengal as their latest signing. The Marina Machans recently announced the signing of Kiyan Nassiri from Mohun Bagan SG to bolster their attack, and have now added a defensive reinforcement, also from one of the Kolkata giants.
Dessai has signed a two-year contract with Chennaiyin FC, and will replace Aakash Sangwan, who left for FC Goa recently.
Mandar Rao Desai signs for Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of experienced defender Mandar Rao Dessai on a two-year deal! ✍️🔵 pic.twitter.com/MBNLnK9UtB
— 90ndstoppage (@90ndstoppage) June 16, 2024
The 32-year-old came up through the Demo academy before moving to FC Goa, and then spending a brief spell with Bengaluru. In 2020, he made the move to Mumbai City FC and spent three years with the Sky Blues before signing for East Bengal ahead of the 23/24 season.
This past season, he won the Kalinga Super Cup with the Red and Gold side and has now made the move down South to be a part of Owen Coyle’s reinforced side.
East Bengal have signed Provat Lakra to replace Mandar Rao Desai, and will bank on Nishu Kumar for the coming season as well. But all things considered, Desai’s contribution was vital for the club to boost their performance this past season, after injuries to Harmanjot Khabra complicated their defensive shape.
