ISL Transfer News: Mumbai City FC Rope in Defender Sahil Panwar on 1-Year Contract

Add as a preferred source on Google

Defending champions Mumbai City FC on Monday (July 15) announced the signing of defender Sahil Panwar on a free transfer ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season.

The Islanders also revealed that the 24-year-old defender, who has had stints at the ISL earlier, has signed a one-year contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2024-25 season.

Hailing from Dehradun, Sahil began his professional career with the Pune FC academy, earning a spot in the team after impressing in the Subroto Cup.

While with the club, Sahil also captained the U-18 side. Later, he joined FC Pune City and debuted in the ISL in January 2018. Sahil went on to play for Hyderabad FC and Odisha FC, where he established himself as a reliable defender.

In his ISL career spanning 70 appearances, the left-sided defender has recorded 88 interceptions, 230 duels won, 83 aerial duels won, and 270 recoveries. He has represented India at the U-20 level and was the team's captain during the 2017 SAFF U-18 Championship.

Sahil's addition will strengthen Mumbai City's defense and provide valuable depth and options across the backline. He becomes the 10th signing of the season following the likes of Jon Toral, TP Rehenesh, Brandon Fernandes, Jayesh Rane and Daniel Lalhlimpuia among others.

After signing for MCFC, Sahil Panwar was thrilled to join a club with rich history and was excited to be soon linking up with his new teammates as well as working under coach Petr Kratky.

"I am thrilled to join Mumbai City FC, a club with a rich history and strong ambitions that it fulfills season after season. I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me," Sahil was quoted as saying in Mumbai City FC release.

"And I am committed to working hard to contribute to the club's success. I look forward to meeting my new teammates, Coach Petr Kratky, and the amazing fanbase of the club."

Kratky, the Head Coach of Mumbai City FC said Panwar's experience and ability will be crucial for the team next season and he was excited to work with the young defender.

"Sahil Panwar has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league for a while. His valuable experience and abilities will help us reach our goals," Kratky said.

"We have seen him play, and his qualities at the back will be crucial for us next season. We look forward to having him here and working with him."