Bengaluru FC has re-signed talented Indian goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte on a multi-year deal. Ralte, who previously made 56 appearances for the club, returns to Bengaluru after a two-year stint with Odisha FC, where he saw limited game time.
Ralte’s tenure at Odisha FC was marked by limited opportunities. Signed in 2022, he managed just 10 appearances over two seasons, largely overshadowed by the impressive performances of first-choice goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. As his contract with Odisha FC expired at the end of the 2023-24 season, Ralte found himself seeking a new club.
Ralte’s return to Bengaluru FC is a move driven by the club’s need for a seasoned goalkeeper.
“Bengaluru FC needed a goalkeeper, with only Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as a senior figure in the position at the club. Lalthuammawia Ralte was approached by the management and he has now signed a multi-year deal,” a source close to the deal was quoted as saying by Khel Now.
Ralte’s familiarity with the club, having been a part of the team in the past, made the decision straightforward. His previous experience with the Blues, particularly stepping up in the absence of Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, positions him as a reliable backup. Despite not being the first-choice goalkeeper, Ralte’s presence will provide depth and assurance, especially with a packed schedule ahead.
Bengaluru FC’s goalkeeping roster currently includes Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Sahil Poonia, Amrit Gope, and Vikram Lakhbir Singh. However, with Poonia and Gope being relatively young and Vikram not having much ISL experience, the addition of Ralte brings much-needed experience and stability. This move ensures that the club is well-prepared for competitions like the Durand Cup and the Super Cup, where squad rotation is crucial.
The re-signing of Ralte is part of a broader strategy by Bengaluru FC to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for the Indian Super League (ISL) title. The club has had a mixed bag of success in recent years, with a Durand Cup victory and an ISL-final appearance being their major achievements.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Bengaluru FC has made significant additions to their squad. They have secured the services of Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Alberto Noguera, both instrumental in Mumbai City FC’s successful ISL 2023-24 campaign. Additionally, Mumbai City skipper Rahul Bheke is set to return to his former club, further strengthening the team’s defensive options. The club has also extended the contract of Aleksandar Jovanovic, ensuring continuity in their defensive lineup.
With these strategic signings, Bengaluru FC aims to reclaim their status as one of the top contenders in Indian football. The management’s decision to bring in experienced players like Ralte, alongside dynamic talents like Diaz and Noguera, reflects their commitment to building a well-rounded and formidable squad.
