Chennaiyin FC signs Pandiyan from Chennai City FC

The 22-year-old is on a permanent move subject to transfer window regulation and has penned a three-year contract with the ISL title holder.

Chennaiyin FC's S. Pandiyan flanked by Syed Sabir Pasha (left) and Dhanpal Ganesh after his signing.

Two-time Indian Super League champion Chennaiyin FC announced the signing of 22-year-old S. Pandiyan from Chennai City FC on a permanent move subject to transfer window regulations. The Thanjavur-born central midfielder has penned a three-year contract with the current ISL title holder on the back of an impressive I-League 2017-18 campaign.

Pandiyan has a reputation of operating in the midfield with silent efficiency. “It is a huge privilege for me to join Chennaiyin FC. I’ve always aspired to play for Chennaiyin in the ISL as I feel I have it in me to excel at this stage. And joining the ISL champions, that too from my home state, is an even more special feeling. Players like Nallappan Mohanraj and Dhanpal Ganesh have always been an inspiration to me, and I hope to follow in their footsteps in making this club and its supporters proud,” said Pandian.

Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said, “It is a great moment for everyone at the club to have another player from Tamil Nadu representing us. He has come leaps and bounds in the last few years and we’re sure he will only get better with us.”

Interestingly, Chennaiyin FC’s Technical Director for Youth Development & Assistant Coach Syed Sabir Pasha was Pandiyan’s coach during his stint with Indian Bank. “Pandiyan is a great addition to our squad. Having seen him come up the ranks and worked with him closely in the past, I expect great things from him. He can break up play, has a good passing range and can cover the length of the pitch with agility. He will surely add more bite to our midfield,” said Pasha on Pandiyan’s acquisition.