NorthEast United FC are delighted to announce the signing of young Indian forward Ankith Padmanabhan from Bengaluru FC for the 2024-25 season with an option to extend the contract by two years. Ankith, 22, made his name playing in the Karnataka side that won the prestigious Santosh Trophy in 2022-23. Ankith scored two vital goals (vs Maharashtra and vs Services in the semifinals) for the national championship winning side. “I am happy to join the NorthEast United FC. It was an easy decision for me to make as I knew our assistant coach Naushad Moosa beforehand. I feel this is the right club for me to develop as a player and I am confident that I can equally contribute to the club’s success,” Ankith said before adding, “I am eagerly waiting for the season to start. The fans here are incredible, so I cannot wait to see them in the stadium”.
Born and brought up in Bengaluru, Ankith, son of former India international footballer – Padmanabhan – always wanted to be a footballer like his father. He joined Ozone FC – his first club at 9 and progressed quickly through the ranks.
In the BDFA Super Division League, he impressed with six goals in just eight games before joining Bengaluru FC in July 2022. In the 2023-24 season, he trained with the senior team of Bengaluru FC and played key games for Bengaluru FC’s reserve team in their title-winning run to Bengaluru Super Division League title. He also competed in the Reliance Foundation Development League, netting two goals in as many games. The young attacker was also the vice-captain of the Karnataka team for national championships last season.
“Ankith is a young, ambitious player with a lot of potential. He’s fast, technically sound and offers a lot going forward. We are happy to have him here,” said Juan Pedro Benali, head coach, NorthEast United FC. “There is no doubt about Ankith’s talent and potential. At NorthEast United FC, he has the right environment to learn from the experienced players and coaches and be a top professional,” Mandar Tamhane, CEO, NorthEast United FC, said.
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