Regarded widely as one of the most talented youngsters to make a mark in recent times, Sanju Pradhan, former East Bengal skipper and winner of the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) with Atletico de Kolkata has signed on the dotted line for Salgaocar FC. A day after acquiring the services of attacking Yemeni international, Khaled Baleid, the Greens have further strengthened their squad with the loan signing of the diminutive Sikkimese until the end of the season.
Sanju started his professional career with Air India in 2006 before being roped in by East Bengal in 2008. He served the club for five long years and was handed the reins of captaincy in 2011. He then had a brief spell with Dempo SC in 2013/14 before being roped in by Atletico de Kolkata for the inaugural edition of the Indian Super League.
At Salgaocar, Sanju will re-unite with schoolmate and childhood friend, Bikash Jairu. Both coincidentally were first spotted at the ‘Search for More Bhaichung’s’ programme and trained together at the Namchi Sports Hostel in Sikkim.
At 25, the Sikkimese has already won every major title in the country barring the I-League, including two Federation Cup titles, the IFA Shield and Super Cup in addition to having played at the Asian level in the AFC Cup. He was also part of the senior national side that went on to lift the Nehru Cup in 2012. He will sport Jersey No. 9 at Salgaocar FC.