Panaji: Mumbai City FC have reluctantly parted ways with Lalengmawia Ralte after the midfielder cited his 'release clause', which eventually led to him moving to Mohun Bagan Supergiants.
The release clause in the contract of the Indian midfielder, popularly known as Apuia, was set at around Rs 1.6 crore, inclusive of taxes.
One of the best midfielders in the country, Apuia played a key role in Mumbai's victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) trophy last season, ironically against Bagan. He has now signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Kolkata giants.
“Mumbai were not interested in releasing the player but had no choice because of the release clause in his contract,” a source close to the transfer told The Times of India.
Apuia will become the first player to be registered outside the salary cap. As per the new ISL player registration guidelines, clubs can identify two players from their squad and inform the league through the salary cap evaluation sheet that these two players are excluded from the salary cap value of Rs 18 crore for this season.
According to league organisers, the salary cap has been set to help clubs manage costs, to ensure that player remuneration does not reach unaffordable levels and to maintain a healthy competitive balance.
Another official said, “Mohun Bagan will become the first team in the ISL to follow the new salary cap rules. Bagan is a high-spending team and will make the best use of the new player guidelines.”
Apuia knew he had a release clause in his contract, so Bagan led the race to sign the player from start to finish. This also meant they didn’t have to engage in lengthy – and sometimes difficult – negotiations with the parent club for the player’s release.
East Bengal were also interested in the star midfielder, knowing he would add real quality to the squad. Coach Carles Kudarat gave his consent for the move, but with arch-rivals Bagan in the fray, East Bengal knew their chances were limited.
Apuia began his professional career with Indian Arrows and made a name for himself at NorthEast United, where he joined in 2019. He won the ISL Emerging Player award in 2021 and moved to Mumbai later that summer after losing interest from Bagan and East Bengal.
In Mumbai, he moulded himself into an even better player, making it into the national team and winning numerous accolades, including both the ISL Shield and the ISL Trophy.
Despite having star options in midfield, Bagan will be delighted with the arrival of Apuia, especially since the Kolkata giants will be participating in the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier Asian club competition.
The release clause in the contract of the Indian midfielder, popularly known as Apuia, was set at around Rs 1.6 crore, inclusive of taxes.
One of the best midfielders in the country, Apuia played a key role in Mumbai's victory in the Indian Super League (ISL) trophy last season, ironically against Bagan. He has now signed a lucrative five-year contract with the Kolkata giants.
“Mumbai were not interested in releasing the player but had no choice because of the release clause in his contract,” a source close to the transfer told The Times of India.
Apuia will become the first player to be registered outside the salary cap. As per the new ISL player registration guidelines, clubs can identify two players from their squad and inform the league through the salary cap evaluation sheet that these two players are excluded from the salary cap value of Rs 18 crore for this season.
According to league organisers, the salary cap has been set to help clubs manage costs, to ensure that player remuneration does not reach unaffordable levels and to maintain a healthy competitive balance.
Another official said, “Mohun Bagan will become the first team in the ISL to follow the new salary cap rules. Bagan is a high-spending team and will make the best use of the new player guidelines.”
Apuia knew he had a release clause in his contract, so Bagan led the race to sign the player from start to finish. This also meant they didn’t have to engage in lengthy – and sometimes difficult – negotiations with the parent club for the player’s release.
East Bengal were also interested in the star midfielder, knowing he would add real quality to the squad. Coach Carles Kudarat gave his consent for the move, but with arch-rivals Bagan in the fray, East Bengal knew their chances were limited.
Apuia began his professional career with Indian Arrows and made a name for himself at NorthEast United, where he joined in 2019. He won the ISL Emerging Player award in 2021 and moved to Mumbai later that summer after losing interest from Bagan and East Bengal.
In Mumbai, he moulded himself into an even better player, making it into the national team and winning numerous accolades, including both the ISL Shield and the ISL Trophy.
Despite having star options in midfield, Bagan will be delighted with the arrival of Apuia, especially since the Kolkata giants will be participating in the AFC Champions League Two, the second-tier Asian club competition.