ISL: Ajith inks three-year deal with Bengaluru

ISL 5 title-winner Bengaluru, which had monitored the youngster’s performances for a large part of the last two years, paid an undisclosed fee to Chennai City to seal Ajith’s move. The 23-year-old, whose current contract runs until the end of the 2022-23 season, will make his ISL debut in the upcoming edition in Goa.

“BFC is one of the biggest and best-run clubs in India. When an offer was made (earlier this year), I had a discussion with CCFC owner Rohit Ramesh. He felt that the transfer would be beneficial for me. So, I signed for Bengaluru,” Ajith, I-League champion with Chennai City in the 2018-19 season, told DT Next.

“Many India internationals are a part of the BFC squad. Also, the foreign players are well experienced. I will learn a lot from them,” added Ajith, who appeared 42 times for CCFC across five different competitions.

Full-back Ajith was in great demand in the Indian summer transfer market, with clubs chasing his signature. Going by his words, Carles Cuadrat-managed Bengaluru had the edge over the others in the race because of two key factors.

“BFC was always on top of my list. There are only a few teams that perform consistently in India and Bengaluru is among them. Sunil Chhetri bhai is one of my favourite players and is an inspiration. Who would pass up an opportunity to play alongside him?” he explained.

With the departure of Nishu Kumar to southern rival Kerala Blasters FC, Ajith is likely to be heavily involved in Spaniard Cuadrat’s plans. However, the Chennai-based lad is taking nothing for granted. “Expectations are high and I know that I will have to perform under pressure. I would like to show our manager what I have up my sleeve.”

Before bidding adieu to his former employer, Ajith thanked Chennai City, which provided him a platform to excel. “Had there been no CCFC, I would have had to go to various teams and attend trials. The club made life easier for me. I will always be grateful to Chennai City for what it has done,” said Ajith.