Panaji: Aizawl FC forward Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, one of the most consistent domestic performers in the I-League, will move to the top-tier Indian Super League (ISL) next season, after agreeing terms with NorthEast United.
The striker is expected to complete the transfer formalities once his existing contract with Aizawl ends next month.
Lalrinzuala made heads turn last season when he scored 15 goals – and had three assists – to become the highest Indian goalscorer in the competition’s history in a single season. He broke the joint record previously held by Sunil Chhetri (2013-14) and Mohammed Rafi (2009-10).
Impressed with his performances, the 24-year-old was summoned for the national camp by former India coach Igor Stimac.
This season, Lalrinzuala continued with his terrific form, scoring 12 goals to help relegation-threatened Aizawl stay afloat in the I-League. Only two players, both foreigners – David Castaneda Munoz (Sreenidi Deccan) and Douglas Rosa Tardin (Shillong Lajong) – scored more. Crucially, two of his goals came in the concluding clash against Namdhari FC in a game that the Mizoram side had to win to escape relegation.
“Rinzuala had offers from Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur, while FC Goa held initial talks and Mumbai City showed interest,” a source who has tracked the transfer told TOI. “The player however felt NorthEast would be best for his growth.”
At NorthEast, coach Juan Pedro Benali is unafraid to give young players a chance, contributing majorly to Lalrinzuala’s decision.
Having graduated from the Bengaluru FC academy, Lalrinzuala also shares a good relationship with club CEO Mandar Tamhane and assistant coach Naushad Moosa, both of whom were previously associated with the former ISL champions.
Lalrinzuala played for Bengaluru’s U-16 and U-18 youth teams (2017-19) before moving to Gokulam Kerala. He then plied his trade with Chhinga Veng FC in the Mizoram Premier League and returned home to Aizawl in 2023.
The striker is expected to complete the transfer formalities once his existing contract with Aizawl ends next month.
Lalrinzuala made heads turn last season when he scored 15 goals – and had three assists – to become the highest Indian goalscorer in the competition’s history in a single season. He broke the joint record previously held by Sunil Chhetri (2013-14) and Mohammed Rafi (2009-10).
Impressed with his performances, the 24-year-old was summoned for the national camp by former India coach Igor Stimac.
This season, Lalrinzuala continued with his terrific form, scoring 12 goals to help relegation-threatened Aizawl stay afloat in the I-League. Only two players, both foreigners – David Castaneda Munoz (Sreenidi Deccan) and Douglas Rosa Tardin (Shillong Lajong) – scored more. Crucially, two of his goals came in the concluding clash against Namdhari FC in a game that the Mizoram side had to win to escape relegation.
“Rinzuala had offers from Mohun Bagan and Jamshedpur, while FC Goa held initial talks and Mumbai City showed interest,” a source who has tracked the transfer told TOI. “The player however felt NorthEast would be best for his growth.”
At NorthEast, coach Juan Pedro Benali is unafraid to give young players a chance, contributing majorly to Lalrinzuala’s decision.
Having graduated from the Bengaluru FC academy, Lalrinzuala also shares a good relationship with club CEO Mandar Tamhane and assistant coach Naushad Moosa, both of whom were previously associated with the former ISL champions.
Lalrinzuala played for Bengaluru’s U-16 and U-18 youth teams (2017-19) before moving to Gokulam Kerala. He then plied his trade with Chhinga Veng FC in the Mizoram Premier League and returned home to Aizawl in 2023.
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Perishers - 16th April 2025
