Sandesh Jhingan has completed a transfer to HNK Sibenik of the Croatian First Football League thus fulfilling his dream of playing in Europe. Initially, Jhingan wanted to play abroad last year when he secured a release from the Kerala Blasters but with the COVID-19 pandemic around Jhingan was unable to complete any abroad move at that time. Consequently, Jhingan decided to remain in India by signing a five-year contract with ATK Mohun Bagan. His contract, however, included a clause that stated that the club would terminate his contract if he got the chance to play abroad. Last season was an impressive one for the defender, who helped Bagan reach the ISL finals and finish second in the group stage.
Jhingan, who shares the same agent as Bala Devi, finally managed to move abroad after HNK Sibenik offered him a contract. Sandesh, as per the clause, terminated his contract with Bagan and has signed for the Croatian club on a free transfer.
HNK Sibenik was promoted to the first division last season after spending five consecutive years in the second division. The club finished sixth last year and is currently ranked eighth in the league table after five matches. As many as 31 matches remain in the season and Sandesh will look to help them push to the top. Sibenik has conceded as many as 10 goals in five matches, the second-highest in the league, therefore Sandesh’s signing comes with the motive to strengthen their weak defense. Mario Rosas, who had been a part of the Barcelona B team between 1997 and 2000, is currently their manager.
“I think I am at a stage of my career where I really want to test myself at the highest level possible and I think this is the perfect platform for me. My desire was always to play in Europe“, Sandesh Jhingan said after completing his move from ATK Mohun Bagan to HNK Sibenik.
Sandesh Jhingan, already one of India’s best defenders will hope to improve much more and become a better player after training in Europe and mingling with other top players in HNK Sibenik. Jhingan now joins the ranks of Indian footballers who have played abroad, such as Gurpreet Sandhu, Sunil Chhetri, and Bala Devi. This move is definitely a big deal for Indian football.
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