Mumbai City FC has announced the acquisition of 24-year-old defender Sahil Panwar on a free transfer. Panwar has signed a one-year contract that will see him stay with the club until the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.
Originating from Dehradun, Sahil Panwar’s journey in football began at the Pune FC Academy. His remarkable performance in the Subroto Cup earned him a spot. Panwar demonstrated leadership qualities early on by captaining the Pune FC U-18 side.
His career trajectory saw him move to FC Pune City, where he made his Indian Super League (ISL) debut in January 2018. Over the years, he has become a stalwart defender, playing pivotal roles at Hyderabad FC and Odisha FC.
Panwar has amassed an impressive record of over 70 appearances throughout his ISL career. His stats include 88 interceptions, 230 duels won, 83 aerial duels won, and 270 recoveries, underscoring his consistency as a defender. His contributions on the field extended to the national level. He captained India’s U-20 team during the 2017 SAFF U-18 Championship.
Mumbai City FC’s Head Coach, Petr Kratky, expressed his optimism about the new signing. “Sahil Panwar has been one of the most consistent defenders in the league for a while. His valuable experience and abilities will help us reach our goals. We have seen him play, and his qualities at the back will be crucial for us next season. We look forward to having him here and working with him,” Kratky stated.
Panwar, equally enthusiastic about joining Mumbai City FC, shared his excitement and commitment to the club. “I am thrilled to join Mumbai City FC, a club with a rich history and strong ambitions that it fulfills season after season. I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me, and I am committed to working hard to contribute to the club’s success. I look forward to meeting my new teammates, Coach Petr Kratky, and the amazing fanbase of the club.”
Panwar’s addition is expected to strengthen Mumbai City FC’s defensive lineup, providing crucial depth and options across the backline. The club aims to leverage Panwar’s skills and experience as it gears up for the upcoming season.
As Mumbai City FC prepares for the new challenges, including a seasoned defender like Panwar could be a decisive factor in their campaign. The club’s fans and management alike hope his defensive prowess will add a new dimension to their game. It will help them achieve their goals and maintain their competitive edge in the ISL.
