Punjab FC sign Chennaiyin FC winger Ninthoi Meetei: Reports

Punjab FC have completed the signing of Chennaiyin FC winger Ninthoi Meetei, according to Khel Now.

The 22-year-old, who has also represented the Indian Arrows and NorthEast United FC, joined the Marina Machans in August 2021. In his three-year stint with the two-time ISL Cup winners, Ninthoi played 55 matches across competitions, registering three goals and as many assists.

Chennaiyin FC finished sixth in the points table to qualify for the 2023-24 ISL playoffs. Unfortunately, they couldn't make it to the semifinals after losing the playoff knockout fixture against FC Goa by a 2-1 margin in Fatorda.

Ninthoi Meetei featured in 19 matches for Chennaiyin throughout the ISL season, scoring two goals and registering an assist.

The Manipur-based youngster's signing will be a welcome addition to Punjab FC given his proven gameplay and ISL experience.

An eighth-place finish in their maiden ISL campaign for Punjab FC

Punjab FC secured promotion to the top tier of Indian football, having won the 2022-23 I-League season. The 10th edition of the ISL was their first-ever season in the league. They were also the first club in the history to have gained promotion to the ISL.

Staikos Vergetis' men had a mediocre campaign in their debut ISL campaign, finishing eighth among 12 teams with 24 points from 22 matches. Despite failing to reach the playoffs, overall they produced several memorable performances on the pitch throughout the season.

While midfielder Madih Talal topped the charts for the most number of assists in the 2023-24 ISL with 10 assists to his name, skipper Luka Majcen and Wilmar Jordan contributed the most number of goals for Punjab with eight goals apiece.

At the 2023 Durand Cup and the 2024 Indian Super Cup though, they couldn't make much of an impact, having exited the tournaments in the group stages.