Bengaluru FC sign India international Nikhil Poojary from Hyderabad FC

Bengaluru FC announced the signing of India defender Nikhil Poojary on a deal that will keep him with the Blues until 2028. He played all three matches for India in the ongoing AFC Asian Cup, starting twice and coming on as a substitute in one, having become a mainstay for the national team. Speaking on his signing with Bengaluru FC, Poojary said, “I did have a few offers to choose from, but the BCF project and the way they want to go about things is what made the decision easier for me. “I had extensive chats with the management and the coach, and I feel this club is where I can help create an impact, and build on my potential. “I have come up against BFC on many occasions in the past, and have always admired the atmosphere the fans bring to the Kanteerava. It’s going to be nice to play for, and in front of them.”

ನಮ್ಮ ಮಣ್ಣಿನಮಗ. 💛❤️#WeAreBFC #Santhoshakke #NikhilNammavaru pic.twitter.com/YABVu6I1Py

— Bengaluru FC (@bengalurufc) January 31, 2024

Born in Karnataka, Poojari spent most of his youth career at clubs in Mumbai, before signing for East Bengal in his first senior move. He then spent a season with Pune City FC and followed it with a move to Hyderabad FC, with whom he became ISL champion in the 2021-22 season. Bengaluru FC haven’t had the best of starts to the Indian Super League (ISL) season, and coach Gerard Zaragoza believes that Poojary’s experience and versatility will help bolster their push. “In signing Nikhil, we are signing experience and quality. Our focus this January window was to add quality Indian defenders to the squad and I believe we have managed to do that well,” the coach said. “Nikhil is an offensive right-back who will help us a lot in attack, and his experience will be crucial in all the defensive demands that we have from our players.” The announcement comes a day after the club signed Chinglensana Singh on a long-term deal, underlining their intent in what’s been a busy transfer window. Bengaluru FC are ninth in the ISL standings having played 12 matches and are on 11 points, trailing leaders Kerala Blasters by 15 points. ISL has been on a hiatus since 29 December and the second half of the season resumed on Wednesday. Bengaluru FC’s first match back is an away trip to Punjab FC on 3 February.