'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
NorthEast United FC have announced the signing of Indian defender Robin Yadav on a multi-year deal on Saturday, July 13. The 22-year-old right-back played three matches for Bengaluru FC during the 2023 Durand Cup, finding the back of the net once against Gokulam Kerala FC.
Robin Yadav also featured in six matches for the Blues in the 2023-24 ISL season. He was an integral part of Karnataka's 2022-23 Santosh Trophy title triumph in which he scored six goals and was also adjudged Player of the Tournament.
The defender Yadav scored the decisive third goal in the 44th minute of the 2022-23 Santosh Trophy final where Karnataka defeated Meghalaya by a 3-2 margin at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh.
"I am thrilled to join NorthEast United FC" - Robin Yadav
Given his proven credentials and ISL familiarity, Robin's signing assumes greater significance for NorthEast United FC who narrowly missed out on the playoffs spot in the tenth edition of the ISL. With 26 points from 22 matches, the Highlanders finished seventh in the 2023-24 ISL standings.
Expressing his thoughts on joining NorthEast United FC, an excited Robin Yadav heaped praise on the club's impressive vision for his development, saying:
"I am thrilled to join NorthEast United FC. The club’s vision for my development is impressive, and I am eager to contribute to the team’s success. The support from the fans and the opportunity to work with the coaching staff excites me. I can't wait to get started and give my best for the club."
Apart from Robin Yadav, Juan Pedro Benali's men have so far acquired the services of Mayakkannan Muthu, Alfred Lalruotsang and Guillermo Fernandez ahead of the upcoming season.
Head coach Juan Pedro Benali sounded optimistic while welcoming his new signing. The Spaniard asserted that Robin Yadav's arrival would bolster his team's defense and said:
"We are excited to have Robin Yadav join our squad. He is a talented defender with a bright future ahead of him. Robin's presence will undoubtedly strengthen our defense, and we are looking forward to his contributions on the field."
Speaking about what Robin Yadav's signing means for the club's project and its potential, NorthEast United FC CEO Mandar Tamhane expressed confidence that the player will play a key role for them in the upcoming seasons.
"Robin Yadav's signing is a testament to our commitment to building a strong and dynamic team. His decision to join us underscores the potential of our project and our dedication to player development. We are confident that Robin will be a key player for us in the coming seasons."
NorthEast United will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and come back stronger next season with a further strengthened squad. They are placed alongside Odisha FC, Bodoland FC and Border Security Force FT in Group E at the upcoming edition of the Durand Cup which kicks off on July 27 in Kolkata.
