Bengaluru: The city of Bengaluru erupted in cheers today as news broke of young Mizo prodigy Lalremtluanga Fanai extending his tenure with Indian Super League giants Bengaluru FC. The dynamic midfielder, a fan favourite, has penned a fresh three-year deal, committing his future to the Blues until the culmination of the 2027-28 season. This development has sent ripples of excitement across the club’s faithful, eager to witness more of his magic on the field.
The 20-year-old, whose recent performances under Spanish gaffer Gerard Zaragoza have truly set him apart, has blossomed into a formidable and dependable presence in the heart of the midfield. Having initially joined the club’s youth setup in 2020, Fanai’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, a testament to his dedication and the club’s nurturing environment. His unwavering commitment to the Bengaluru FC colours has earned him widespread admiration.
“It’s an absolute joy to continue my journey here at Bengaluru FC. I arrived as a raw teenager, and these past four seasons have been instrumental in my growth. The incredible support from my coaches and teammates has been a constant source of encouragement, and I firmly believe this is the ideal place for my continued development. I’m genuinely looking forward to creating many more unforgettable memories with this fantastic football club,” a visibly elated Fanai shared, after inking his new contract, as reported by the ISL’s official media.
Fanai’s ascent through the ranks at Bengaluru FC has been a narrative of pure grit and talent. From honing his skills with the U18 Academy side to making his mark with the BFC Reserves, his progression has been seamless. The 2023-24 season saw him officially drafted into the club’s senior ISL squad, a significant milestone in his nascent career. He made his much-anticipated First Team debut against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the 2023 Super Cup, subsequently gracing the ISL stage for the first time against Punjab FC later that season, a moment etched in the club’s history.
His prowess on the ball, coupled with an impressive range of passing, makes Fanai a complete package. His clean tackling and astute positioning are a direct result of his intelligent reading of the game, consistently placing him in optimal positions on the pitch. With an impressive tally of 36 appearances in the ISL over two seasons, Fanai’s numbers are truly remarkable for a player of his tender age, underscoring his immense potential and consistent contribution.
“For a mere 20-year-old, Fanai exhibits a maturity and composure that belies his age. We are absolutely thrilled with his progress over the last two seasons with the First Team. As a product of our very own youth system, he embodies the core values we uphold as a football club, and we are incredibly pleased to have secured his services for the foreseeable future,” stated Darren Caldeira, the Blues’ Director of Football, highlighting the club’s delight at retaining their home-grown talent.
This extension for Fanai, who has also earned a call-up to Team India’s U23 Probables for upcoming friendlies against Tajikistan U23 and Kyrgyz Republic U23, follows closely on the heels of full-back Naorem Roshan Singh’s similar commitment to the Blues, signalling a clear intent from the club to build a strong, stable foundation for future success.
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