Credit: Twitter
Anirudh Thapa, the captain and star midfielder of Chennaiyin FC, has been sensational for the club and for the national team being the heart of creativity for both sides. Mohun Bagan Super Giants had to compete with Mumbai City FC for the Dehradun boy’s signature. The 25-year-old Thapa has completed a sensational move to the Kolkata-based club for a record transfer fee of INR 3 crore in a five-year deal.
The midfielder will become the highest-earning Indian in the league as he will earn three crore rupees per year and 15 crore over five years along with additional perks. According to reports, Chennai had offered him a renewal but it was the player's decision to take up a new challenge.
The Green and Maroon were close to bringing him in last year but the Thapa had chosen to stay with the Chennai-based club, signing an extension of two seasons.
Thapa joined Chennaiyin in 2016 from the AIFF Elite Academy and went on to make 125 appearances for the Marina Machans, scoring 13 goals and providing 17 assists. The 25-year-old also won the ISL title with Chennaiyin in 2017-18 and was named the Emerging Player of the Season.
Thapa’s transfer is a huge statement of intent from Mohun Bagan who have also roped in Anwar Ali and Jason Cummings in this transfer window. Mohun Bagan will be looking to defend their ISL title and further improve on the previous season.
