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Guwahati: NorthEast United FC is excited to announce the signing of young forward Ankith Padmanabhan from Bengaluru FC for the 2024-25 season, with an option to extend the contract by two years.
Ankith, 22, gained prominence by playing for the Karnataka team that won the Santosh Trophy in 2022-23, scoring crucial goals against Maharashtra and Services in the semifinals.
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“I am happy to join NorthEast United FC. Knowing assistant coach Naushad Moosa made the decision easy. I feel this is the right club for me to grow as a player, and I am confident I can contribute to the club’s success. I can’t wait to see the incredible fans in the stadium,” said Ankith.
Born and raised in Bengaluru, Ankith followed in the footsteps of his father, former India international footballer Padmanabhan. He started at Ozone FC at age 9 and quickly moved up the ranks. In the BDFA Super Division League, Ankith scored six goals in eight games before joining Bengaluru FC in July 2022. During the 2023-24 season, he trained with Bengaluru FC’s senior team and played key games for the reserve team in their title-winning run in the Bengaluru Super Division League. Ankith also competed in the Reliance Foundation Development League, scoring two goals in two games and served as vice-captain for Karnataka in the national championships last season.
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“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 of NorthEast United FC.
“Ankith has immense talent and potential. At NorthEast United FC, he has the right environment to learn from experienced players and coaches and become a top professional,” added Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC.
