East Bengal are interested in acquiring the services of Mumbai City FC midfielder Vinit Rai. According to sources, the Kolkata giants have offered a two-year contract to Vinit. However, the Mumbai City FC midfielder is yet to accept the offer.
Vinit is currently plying his trade for Mumbai City FC who are just one win away from securing their second ISL trophy. The Assam-born defensive midfielder joined Mumbai in January 2022 from Odisha FC. Vinit made 14 appearances wearing the Islanders’ shirt, including in the AFC Champions League 2022. Impressing Mumbai’s think-tank with his performances, Vinit was permanently signed by the Mumbai-based club on a one-year deal.
In the ongoing season, Vinit has made 14 appearances for Mumbai. However, due to the presence of midfield stalwart Apuia, he has predominantly come on as a second-half substitute. In total, Vinit has played 358 minutes for Mumbai in the ISL. Therefore, not getting ample game time might be a reason for Vinit to leave the club. Also, his contract with Mumbai City FC ends in May, this year. So, after that, Vinit will be a free player.
Meanwhile, East Bengal are aiming to strengthen their squad for the next season as they prepare to compete in the Asian Champions League 2 preliminary stage of the AFC 2023-24 season. Reports suggest that the club has completed all formalities to sign French midfielder Madih Talal from Punjab FC on a two-year contract. Now, their sights are set on Vinit, whose arrival will undoubtedly add depth to their bench.
Although Souvik Chakrabarti was the most reliable man in the defensive midfield position for the red and gold brigade last term, if East Bengal can rope in the Assamese midfielder, it will undoubtedly add more depth to their squad.