ISL Transfer News: Rohit Danu Joins Bengaluru FC, NorthEast United FC Sign Ibson Melo

Bengaluru FC, on Friday, announced the signing of winger Rohit Danu on a three-year deal. The 20-year-old, who most recently turned out for Hyderabad FC, is a product of the AIFF Elite Academy, and has represented India at U16, U17, U20 and U23 levels.

“I’m really excited to join Bengaluru FC because it presents an opportunity to challenge myself. This is a club that has been very consistent over the years, and I am eager to learn as much as I can from the senior players here, and try my best to contribute. I have also heard a lot about the fans and the atmosphere at the stadium. I’m looking forward to meeting my new teammates, training with them and stepping out as a BFC player at the Kanteerava,” said Danu.

Danu, who joined the AIFF Elite Academy in 2015 as part of current BFC Reserves Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes’ squad, was picked to represent India at various youth levels. At just 15, he was part of the shortlist for the Indian U17 squad set to take part in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, but missed out through injury.

“We’re delighted to bring Rohit on board. For someone so young, he’s got tremendous experience in the Hero ISL at Hyderabad and representing the National Team at various youth levels. We feel he’s going to be an exciting youngster within our ranks, who’s going to learn the ropes from the experienced players we have at the club. He’s a hungry player who wants to make a bright future with us, and potentially for the Senior National Team in the future,” said Blues’ boss Simon Grayson.

Danu is the fourth signing Bengaluru have made ahead of the new season, with the club having announced the acquisitions of Halicharan Narzary, Vikram Singh and Slavko Damjanovic.

“Rohit is an exciting young player who has played quite a bit of first-team football already, and will be a valuable addition to the squad. I think Bengaluru FC represents the best platform for him to take his game to the next level, and I am sure that our coaches and experienced players will help him achieve his personal targets as well,” said Blues’ Director of Football, Darren Caldeira.

NorthEast United Sign Ibson Melo

NorthEast United FC on Friday confirmed the signing of Brazilian striker Ibson Melo as the first new foreign signing of the season. The 33-year-old forward has signed a one-year contract with the Highlanders and is set to lead the club’s attacking line in the upcoming 2023-24 season.

Ibson Melo came through the youth academy at Santa Cruz FC in Brazil and later ventured into the Cypriot and Portuguese First Divisions. He then made his mark in Asia, spending four successful seasons in the Thai League 1. Now, Ibson brings his experience and goal-scoring prowess to NorthEast United FC, eager to embark on this new chapter in his career.

Expressing his excitement about joining the club, Ibson said, “I was impressed by the seriousness & the professionalism of the people involved at the club. I believe that there is a very good opportunity to grow together. I hope to be very happy in India with my family and stay for a long time and contribute to the team’s success.”

Head coach Juan Pedro Benali exuded confidence in Ibson’s abilities and believes he will be an asset to the team’s attacking department. “Ibson is a very good player and knows the game very well. He’s fast and he can play in different positions along the front line. He is also clinical and can score from different situations. He is a very experienced player and I believe he will score a lot of goals and help us reach our objectives,” said Benali.