Shillong Lajong FC have been busy in the January transfer window, with five players heading out of the club.
Two of the players are goalkeepers – Manas Dubey and Neithovilie Chalieu. Lajong announced last night that Odisha FC triggered Manas’s release clause, meaning that he is heading to the Indian Super League side. He had featured in four matches for Lajong in the ongoing I-League and had also been in goal during the earlier Durand Cup 2024.
Neithovilie, meanwhile, has been signed by a club in the new Nagaland Super League, which began just a few days ago. He has kept goal only twice in I-League 2024-25.
Two other Lajong players have also been picked up by Nagaland clubs, Sangti Janai Shianglong and Laiwang Bohham. Sangti has not played in this year’s I-League while Laiwang has been used in only two games.
Kynsaibor Lhuid is another player who has not been used in Lajong’s senior team this season. The exciting playmaker scored three goals and played in 21 matches in I-League 2023-24 but was utilised in the Shillong Premier League and Meghalaya State League instead this past year. He has now joined United Sports Club in I-League 2.
To make up for the loss of two goalkeepers, SLFC have roped in Nikhil Deka on loan from Mohammedan Sporting until the end of the season. Nikhil was formerly with NorthEast United FC for three seasons but never featured in their ISL team.
