HIGHLIGHTS

• Rahul Bheke signs for Mumbai City FC on 2-year deal from Bengaluru FC
• Bheke is currently with the National Team’s preparatory camp in Kolkata
• Bheke has made 92 appearances over the last six seasons in the ISL

Mumbai City FC on Thursday roped in defender Rahul Bheke from Bengaluru FC. The defender joins the Islanders on a two-year contract until the end of the 2022-23 campaign with an option to extend for a further season.

The 30-year-old, is currently with the National Team’s preparatory camp in Kolkata ahead of the International friendlies. Bheke has been represented India 13 times, since making his debut against Curaçao in 2019 during the Kings’ Cup in Thailand.

“It’s a surreal feeling, to have joined Mumbai City. This is my hometown club and of course, the defending champions. The feeling of representing your city and your people is what makes this game more special for me, and I did not have to think twice when the opportunity to join Mumbai City came about,” Bheke said in a club statement.

“I am aware of the ambitions we have at our club and the expectations that the coach Sergio Lobera has from me, and I’m fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. I’m ready to start this new journey with my new family and make memories with our fans,” he added.

Bheke can play across the back line. He started his career through the youth sides of Mahindra United and went on to play for Air India, Mumbai Tigers and Mumbai FC before moving to East Bengal in 2015. Bheke is also a seasoned campaigner in the Indian Super League (ISL).

He played for Kerala Blasters FC in ISL 2015. Thereafter, he went on to represent FC Pune City in ISL 2016, playing 10 games for the Stallions. In 2017, he was picked up in the ISL 2017-18 draft by debutants Bengaluru FC, where he impressed immensely, which prompted the club to hand him an extension. Bheke shone even brighter in the 2018-19 campaign, defending with poise and pitching in with an assist and three goals, including the title-winning header in the final against FC Goa.

He has made 92 appearances over the last six seasons.