BFC sign seasoned midfielder Khabra

With less than a month to go for the start of the new I-League season, Bengaluru FC have strengthened their roster by signing experienced midfielder Harmanjot Khabra, the club announced on Monday.

The 28-year-old last turned out for Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC and joins the Indian champions on a season-long loan deal.

“I’m thankful to Bengaluru FC who pursued me. I must be doing something right to have been picked up by the champions of India,” said Khabra.

 “This is a new era in my career and I want to make the most of it. I’m looking forward to playing alongside the likes of (Sunil) Chhetri and Eugeneson (Lyngdoh) and want to do my bit in helping Bengaluru win trophies,” added Khabra who turned out for East Bengal for seven seasons, a few of them as skipper of the Kolkata club.

Hailing from Kaharpur in Punjab, Khabra passed out from the Tata Football Academy before signing for Sporting Clube de Goa with whom he spent three seasons. Having turned out for the India U-16 and U-19 sides, Khabra made his senior team debut in 2011.

Bengaluru head coach Albert Roca said he was confident that his new signing would add impetus to a season where the side looks to defend its League title and will be competing in the AFC Champions League preliminary qualifying stages.

 “Harmanjot comes with a lot of experience that will be very handy as the season progresses. It’s going to be a busy and a tough calendar for us and while it was important to add to the squad, we wanted to be sure about the quality being brought in and Harmanjot ticks that box,” said Roca.