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Punjab FC, who made their Indian Super League (ISL) debut in the recently concluded season, have turned down offers for Tekcham Abhishek Singh, 19, from two heavyweight clubs, a source close to the proceedings confirmed to Sportskeeda.
The right-back came up the ranks at the Mohali-based outfit and made his ISL debut in a 3-3 draw with Bengaluru FC in November last year. Since then, Abhishek went on to make 10 starts for the Shers in the league and impressed with his relentless performance down the flanks. Hence, a couple of clubs were interested in attaining his services, and according to the source, Kerala Blasters FC and East Bengal presented an offer for the full-back prospect.
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However, Punjab are adamant about retaining the Manipur-born defender, considering his output across the competitions, and rejected the offers. Last summer too, the Blasters had offered a staggering amount for the PFC academy graduate, in the ballpark range of a crore, according to the aforementioned individual.
Abhishek made his I-League debut against Aizawl FC in February 2023 and was even part of the India U-20 squad in the age-group AFC Asian Cup Qualification.
More recently, Abhishek represented Punjab FC in the RF Development League in the group stages, a competition where the Shers ultimately ended as victors. There's very little doubt that the teenager will soon establish himself as one of the hottest prospects in the league, however, with his contract expiring in May 2026, Punjab will be eager to tie him down to a multi-year contract soon.
A look back at Tekcham Abhishek Singh's debut season in the ISL
The young defender made his ISL debut last year with a minute-long cameo in the 3-3 stalemate against Bengaluru. However, Staikos Vergetis, realizing his potential, fielded him in the starting lineup against East Bengal (EB) in the following fixture, and Abhishek Singh was one of the standout players as Punjab held the Kolkata Giants to a 0-0 draw.
He continued to feature more regularly for the Shers and picked up his first ISL assist in the 3-1 victory over Bengaluru. The Manipuri defender's second assist in the competition came in the fixture against EB on the final matchday, when he helped the ball to Wilmar Jordan for the opening goal.
The work rate off the ball and the versatility have been admirable too, and the upcoming season could see him realize his potential further and grab the headlines.
