Chennaiyin FC has made a significant move in the transfer market, securing the services of central midfielder Lalrinliana Hnamte for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The 21-year-old, widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Indian football, has signed a three-year contract with the Marina Machans, becoming the third midfielder to join the club this summer, following Lukas Brambilla and Jitendra Singh. Hnamte’s arrival further strengthens Chennaiyin’s commitment to investing in young talent and nurturing them to become key contributors to the future of Indian football.
Hnamte, a product of Mizoram, has already made a mark in the Indian Super League (ISL), making his debut at the tender age of 18 for East Bengal in 2021. Prior to joining Chennaiyin, he spent three seasons with Mohun Bagan Super Giant, where he tasted success, winning the Durand Cup (2023), the ISL title (2023), and the League Shield (2024). With 43 ISL appearances and over 1300 minutes on the field, Hnamte boasts an impressive passing accuracy of 83 percent, showcasing his ability to control the midfield with precision.
Chennaiyin head coach Owen Coyle expressed his excitement about the signing, stating, “With the ability he possesses, we haven’t seen as much of Hnamte as we should’ve in the league. He’s a fantastic young boy who will offer something different to our midfield options.”
Meanwhile, Kerala Blasters Football Club has secured the services of goalkeeper Nora Fernandes on a three-year contract, extending until 2027. Fernandes, a 25-year-old Goan, joins the Blasters after a successful stint with I-League side Aizawl FC, where he showcased his exceptional goalkeeping abilities in a breakthrough season. He made 17 appearances, impressing with his commanding presence in the penalty area, strong reflexes, and overall short-stopping abilities.
Fernandes’s journey began with Salgaocar FC, where he played in their U18 team and participated in the U18 I-League and the Goa Professional League. He later joined Churchill Brothers in 2020 before moving to Aizawl FC. His arrival marks Kerala Blasters’ third domestic signing of the summer and their second goalkeeper acquisition after Som Kumar. This move demonstrates the club’s ambition to strengthen their squad with talented and experienced players ahead of the upcoming season.
