Mumbai City FC, the reigning Indian Super League (ISL) champions, have made a significant addition to their squad, signing former Arsenal and Barcelona youth academy product Jon Toral on a two-year contract. The club announced the news on Tuesday, signaling their intent to maintain their dominance in the upcoming season.
Toral, a versatile midfielder renowned for his technical prowess, began his football journey in Spain with local club UE Barri Santes Creus. His talent quickly caught the eye of FC Barcelona, leading to his recruitment into their esteemed youth academy, La Masia. Over eight years, he honed his skills and developed into a well-rounded player, eventually moving to London to join Arsenal FC, where he represented the Gunners in the Premier Reserve League, NextGen Series, and the UEFA Youth League.
“Mumbai City has a strong track record of winning trophies and is one of the most successful clubs in the country. The club’s commitment to their philosophy and values is of the highest order, making it an easy decision for me to join,” Toral expressed after joining the club. His professional journey has seen him play for several clubs, including Brentford, Birmingham City, Hull City in England, Granada CF in Spain, Rangers FC in Scotland, and most recently OFI Crete FC in Greece. Throughout his career, Toral has showcased his versatility and adaptability, consistently demonstrating his technical skills and footballing intelligence.
Toral has accumulated an impressive 275 appearances across various leagues, scoring 46 goals and providing 35 assists. His smooth touches and creative flair are well-known, and he brings a valuable blend of experience and quality to the Mumbai City FC squad. “We’re happy to have Jon join us at Mumbai City FC. He is a very experienced player with the technical abilities and skills that will bolster our midfield for the upcoming season,” said Mumbai City FC coach Petr Kratky. “Jon is a great player and a leader on and off the pitch, and we believe his presence will help the squad achieve the desired objectives. I look forward to having him in our squad next season.”
With the signing of Jon Toral, Mumbai City FC reinforces their position as one of the frontrunners in the Indian Super League, adding depth and experience to their midfield as they strive for continued success in the upcoming season.
