As the transfer market is opening in a month, the giants of Indian football are busy strengthening their squads. The current Indian champions, Mohun Bagan, are no different.
As MBFT exclusively broke earlier, Mohun Bagan have already finalised the signing of Australian superstar Jamie Maclaren. Now, MBFT can exclusively confirm that Mohun Bagan are exploring the possibility of signing Lalengmawia "Apuia" Ralte from Mumbai City FC.
According to MBFT sources, Mohun Bagan have already asked Apuia's representatives for details regarding a potential deal. However, no formal offer has been submitted yet, and the club are currently exploring whether the move is possible in this transfer window.
With Glan Martins and Hnamte expected to leave, Mohun Bagan are looking to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
MBFT understands that Mohun Bagan have been scouting Jeakson Singh for a few years now. However, since 2021, Apuia has always been the dream midfield signing for the Bagan recruiters, who rate the Mizo international very highly.
Recently, unverified reports claimed that Apuia has a release clause in his Mumbai City FC contract which becomes active from this season and can be triggered by any Indian club if the player agrees to the move. While MBFT could not independently verify those reports, the situation has naturally become interesting for clubs looking to strengthen their midfield.
MBFT understands that Mohun Bagan are only exploring the possibility at this stage and have not made any final decision yet. Contrary to several reports in the local media, the club have not moved beyond the initial stage of gathering information.
Mohun Bagan also saw the emergence of Abhishek Suryavanshi last season, and the management rate the young midfielder very highly. Many in the Bagan fanbase find similarities between Apuia and Abhishek, while some even believe Abhishek has a higher ceiling than the Mizo sensation.
Though that remains a matter of opinion, MBFT understands that the management believe the two players can play together and build a strong midfield partnership. The club are also comfortable with the idea of using an all-Indian midfield in domestic competitions if required.
As per multiple sources, Apuia's reported release clause is around ₹2.5 crore, and Mohun Bagan believe that would represent excellent value for a player of his quality.
However, a club source has informed MBFT that the Apuia move is only a possibility at this stage and nothing is imminent. The management consider Apuia to be one of their dream signings and continue to rate him very highly, but there is no agreement in place yet.
The club also believe Apuia's first preference could be to stay at Mumbai City FC, where he is a regular starter. At the same time, Mohun Bagan feel they have the ambition and project to attract any player in Indian football. Whether Apuia eventually becomes a Mariner is something only time will tell.