FIFA U-17 World Cup: Dheeraj Singh garners interest from 3 foreign clubs - Report
Dheeraj Singh, Indian U-17 football team’s goalkeeper at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, has garnered interest from the likes of Scottish Premier League outfit Motherwell FC, A-League side Perth Glory and a top Brazilian club.
Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, Indian U-17 football team’s star goalkeeper at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, has caught the eye of at least three foreign clubs who are keen on acquiring the services of the 17-year-old.
Dheeraj’s fine show in the group matches saw him thwart 16 shots on goal in three matches. India may have lost all those games, against the United States, Colombia and Ghana but his heroics certainly won the hearts of the fans and the attention of travelling scouts.
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Dheeraj, who is contracted with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) till December 31, 2017, has according to reports gathered interest from the likes of Scottish Premier League outfit Motherwell FC, A-League side Perth Glory and a top Brazilian club.
But due to his AIFF obligations, Dheeraj cannot move elsewhere without being officially released by India’s football governing body. The AIFF is planning to integrate the young custodian into the Indian Arrows team for the I-League. With foreign clubs on the prowl and Indian Super League franchises possibly prepared to offer higher wages and incentive, it will be hard for the teenager to say no.
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“We are in discussions with an ISL franchise and Dheeraj should join them no sooner the contract (with AIFF) comes to an end. There is an understanding with the franchise that they will allow Dheeraj to move outside the country, should there be a good-enough offer,” Times Of India quoted Dheeraj’s agent, Anuj Kichlu as saying.
“There was interest from several others too but eligibility rules are a big hurdle. We need to make sure that Dheeraj is playing and not just making up the numbers somewhere. If he doesn’t get game time in the ISL, he will either play abroad or with AIFF XI on loan,” added Kichlu who also confirmed that there have been three good offers from overseas.
