Tondonba Singh signs 3-year contract extension with NorthEast United FC 

NorthEast United FC have announced that Indian defender Tondonba Singh has extended his contract with the club, signing a three-year deal that will keep him with the Highlanders until the end of the 2026-27 season. Tondonba, a consistent presence at left-back over the past three years, has made 43 appearances for the club so far.

With previous stints at Chennaiyin FC, NEROCA FC and Mumbai City FC, he brings considerable experience and has earned the club’s trust to continue as a key part of the defense.

Head coach Juan Pedro Benali utilized Tondonba Singh consistently in the early part of the season, where he made 14 appearances in the ISL, five in the Durand Cup and two in the Super Cup.

Speaking with NorthEast United media, Benali praised the Manipur-born full-back’s professionalism and experience, highlighting these qualities as valuable assets for the club in the upcoming seasons. He said:

“Tondonba is one of the most hard-working guys in the club, he is very professional on and off the field. His dedication and commitment make him a great teammate and a leader in our dressing room.”

Tondonba himself was thrilled to sign the extension and expressed his delight in committing to the club he considers his home.

"NorthEast United FC is my home. I feel very comfortable at the club, and my decision to extend comes after the club has shown great changes in the past year. I believe we are moving in the right direction, and I am excited to be part of this journey," Tondonba was quoted as saying by NEUFC media.

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NorthEast United FC will look to add numbers ahead of the 2024-25 season

Following an improved season under Juan Pedro Benali, in which they finished seventh and just a point shy of the playoff spots, NorthEast United FC will be aiming for a top-six finish after a three-year absence in the knockout stages.

Although they have been relatively quiet in the transfer market, contract extensions for key players like Nestor Albiach provide valuable quality to the squad.

In addition, they have bolstered their squad by signing midfielder Mayakkannan Muthu from Sreenidi Deccan FC. A box-to-box midfielder by trade, Muthu adds depth and experience to their options in the middle of the park.

The arrival of CEO Mandar Tamhane last season, who previously served as Bengaluru FC’s CEO for over a decade, is certainly expected to improve the club.

NorthEast United have made several quality additions over the past season and there will certainly be plans to inject young, fresh talent into the squad this time as well. There is ultimately a palpable sense of direction and continuity, and the club will aim to maintain this trajectory in the upcoming seasons.