Indian Football Transfers: Albert Serran extends his contract with Bengaluru FC

Spanish defender Albert Serran has signed a one-year contract extension with Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC. Serran was a regular for ‘The Blues’ last season, having played 17 matches for them in their league-winning campaign.

Albert Serran is one of the most experienced players featuring in the Indian Football circuit. He started his club career at Espanyol in 2002, following which he played in several European clubs including Swansea City. It was after his stay at Moroccan club Chabab Rif Al-Hoceima that he signed for the Indian club last season.

Albert enjoyed a formidable partnership with Juanan at the centre of the defence and was a hard nut to crack for the opponents. The experienced Spanish duo played a pivotal part in Bengaluru FC’s ISL triumph. This is a welcome sign for the champions, having retained the stopper ahead of a busy season which also includes the AFC Cup.

Bengaluru FC claimed their maiden ISL title after edging past FC Goa in the final by virtue of a Rahul Bheke header. ‘The Blues’ have by far been the most consistent football club in the nation of late. They are the only team to have played in the final of the AFC Cup. Having retained most of their players, Carles Cuadrat’s boys are likely to go a long way in the continental meet, even though their start striker Miku has departed.

Bengaluru FC will kick-off the new season with the Durand Cup which begins next month. Sunil Chhetri and Co. will play their first match against Army Red at the East Bengal ground on August 6. They will face-off against ISL rivals Jamshedpur FC at the Mohun Bagan ground on August 12, while their last group stage match will be against Kolkata giants East Bengal at the Salt Lake Stadium on August 16.