Bengaluru: I-League champions Bengaluru FC kept at their pre-season shopping, adding left-back Lalhmangaihsanga 'Sena' Ralte, winger Mandar Rao Dessai and goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharya to the club roster ahead of the I-League season.
The season-long loan deals saw Sena (Mumbai City FC) Dessai (FC Goa) and Arindam (FC Pune City) join midfielders Harmanjot Khabra and Lenny Rodrigues who are already moved to the club this season.
“We will be competing in two tournaments at the same time and it's going to take squad depth if we are to do well. Sena is coming off a good tournament with Mumbai City FC, Mandar is a very talented youngster who has made rapid strides and Arindam brings with him the kind of experience that will keep Amrinder and Ralte on their toes at all times. These are good additions to our squad and I hope they get up to speed with our systems given there's very little time before the League begins," said Blues coach Albert Roca.
Mandar, a nippy winger with his bag of tricks and an eye for a pass, felt that he would revel in the Blues' style of play. "Bengaluru FC is the right club for any footballer and I'm surrounded by some great players here. I'm looking forward to pulling on the Blue shirt and linking up with them," the 24-year-old said.
The three players participated in Tuesday's training session as the Blues continued their preparations for the start of the season.
