Jamshedpur FC continued its swift and keen movement in the transfer window as the club completed the signing of PC Laldinpuia.
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Jamshedpur FC have signed Mizoram defender PC Laldinpuia for the upcoming Indian Super League 2021-22 season. Also fondly called Dinpuia, the 24-year-old comes to Jamshedpur on a three-year deal after a very good season with Aizwal FC. He has represented Mizoram in the Santosh Trophy and also played in the Mizoram Premier League and the 2nd Division I-League.
“I am so glad to be here. Playing in the top league of India one day was my dream and it has finally come true. I thank the club and the head coach for trusting in my abilities,” said Laldinpuia in a statement.
“I will give everything in training and on the pitch to help Jamshedpur FC fight for the coveted ISL trophy and bring a smile on the faces of all fans,” he added.
Born in Mizoram, Laldinpuia began his footballing career with Mizoram Premier League side Bethlehem Vengthlang before moving to Chhinga Veng. He also won the 2018-19 season’s ‘Best Defender Award’ in the Mizoram Premier League.
The defender further participated in the club’s 2nd Division campaign. Following good performances in the Mizoram Premier League, he was called up to represent Mizoram in the Santosh Trophy in both 2018 and 2019.
On the back of his sensational performances, in September 2020, Dinpuia joined Aizawl FC and played a part in all 14 matches of the club’s I-League season. Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle has maintained a keen eye on the defender for some time now.
“We had been tracking Dinpuia’s development since last season itself and he just kept on impressing everyone. He will be a solid addition to the squad considering his versatility. He was rock solid with Aizawl and played across the backline in all positions. After watching him closely and having conversations with him, I was convinced that he would develop into a great player for us,” Coyle stated.
Laldinpuia has been handed the number 4 jersey and will be joining the squad for the pre-season camp which is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
Jamshedpur FC have already roped in central defender Anas Edathodika last week. The Kerala-born footballer made his return to Jamshedpur, where he had spent a season previously during the club’s inaugural season in 2017-18.
He was the club’s first Indian signing (first-ever player selected in the 2017-18 draft). The 34-year-old represented the Blue Tigers in the 2019 AFC Cup. He is considered a hard-tackling defender who is never shy of putting his body on the line.
Anas was out of action last season because of a knee injury and has been out of contract since leaving ATK in August 2020. He will be hoping to rejuvenate himself under former Chennaiyin FC and Bolton Wanderers coach Owen Coyle.
Jamshedpur FC finished the last ISL season in the sixth spot, four points adrift the fourth-placed FC Goa. The Men of Steel have never qualified for the knockout stage and will be hoping to achieve that this time around.
