Former East Bengal star defender Hira Mondal joins Bengaluru FC in a two year deal

Bengaluru FC have been very busy in the transfer market this summer as they aim to solidify the areas that they lacked last season. Therefore they have signed star defender Hira Mondal on a two year deal. The 25-year-old was the star performer for East Bengal last season in the Indian Super League. The Red and Golds struggled to secure wins but Hira kept fighting and was undoubtedly one of their best players last season.

Before coming to the ISL, Hira Mondal plied his trade for Mohammedan Sporting and was sensational for the Black Panthers to say the least. He was so good that he got nominated in the the Team of the Season for I-League 2020-21. He signed a one year deal with the Red and Golds, his dream club and though the conditions were not optimal he kept fighting and gave his best in a season where they finished at the bottom of the table.

Hira Mondal is someone who can be used as an attacking weapon on the flanks but his defensive abilities are very decent aswell. He is originally right footed but plays on the left and can put in some delicious crosses for the forwards on his surge up the field. His tireless nature and versatility makes him a great asset for any coach. But with plenty of options like Naorem Roshan Singh, Prabir Das, Ajithkumar, etc Hira will have a tough time proving his worth to new head coach Simon Grayson.

Hira after signing for Bengaluru FC was ecstatic as he shared how the core of the national team plays for Bengaluru FC and how he will now be a part of that team. He was very excited to share the dressing room with some of the stalwarts of Indian football.

“I’m really very happy to join Bengaluru FC, a team that has been among the most successful in the last decade of Indian football. The core of the Indian National team plays for BFC, and to think that I will be able to share a dressing room with them is an amazing feeling,” Hira shared.

Hira Mondal played 16 matches in his debut ISL season and despite the problems going on at East Bengal his performances caught the eyes of the experts. He was mostly forced to defend for obvious circumstances but whenever he got a chance to attack he proved his worth.

“I’m really thankful to the management and staff for believing in my abilities. Last season was my first in the ISL, and I had never imagined that I would get an opportunity to move to a club like BFC so soon, “ he added as he also wants to meet the West Block Blues and play in front of them.

Lastly, Bengaluru FC CEO Mandar Tamhane revealed how they were scouting Hira MOndal for a long time and had an eye on him. He highlighted how Hira proved his credentials in the ISL by being a standout performer for East Bengal last season and feels that the 25-year-old fullback will for sure add value to their team. “Hira Mondal is a player who has consistently improved his game over the last few years, and is someone we had set our sights on for some time now. We are very happy to have him join our squad ahead of the new season. He had a fantastic year with SC East Bengal, and we are certain that he will play a big part in the team we are building – one that’s centred around young talent,” Tamhane concluded.