ISL: Ishan Pandita completes move to Jamshedpur FC from FC Goa

Ishan Pandita has agreed to move to Jamshedpur FC from FC Goa on an undisclosed fee, the Times of India has reported. Pandita was not getting enough time on the pitch while being with the Gaurs and has decided to move away from the club.

The striker scored four goals in 11 matches in his maiden season of the Hero Indian Super League in 2020-21 season. In fact, the 23-year old played only for 131 minutes and grabbed the headlines with his late-minutes goals in the tournament as he came out as a substitute for his team. Thus, Pandita will expect that he will get more game time in his new club in the tourney.

Meanwhile, the youngster also played six matches for the Gaurs in the AFC Champions League.

“Ishan communicated to the club during the course of the summer that he would like to explore other opportunities keeping his personal growth in mind,” Director of Football, Ravi Puskur said in a media statement issued by the club.

“When the other club expressed their interest with a suitable proposal, we felt it in the best interest of all parties involved to accept the offer factoring above all of Ishan’s wish to continue to seek more playing time,” the statement added.

Sources have confirmed to TOI that it could be a two-year contract and thus Ishan will stay with the club till 2022-23 season.

“Goa have agreed a transfer fee with Jamshedpur FC,” a source told TOI late on Friday. “Now It’s only a matter of time before Jamshedpur agrees personal terms with the player. It’s likely to be a two-year contract.

In fact, it has been reported that along with Jamshedpur FC, ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal were also interested in securing the services of Pandita.

“Ishan needs game time, so Jamshedpur looks like the best option. The coach (Owen Coyle) has assured the player that there is a place for him in the team,” said another source.