Ashique Kuruniyan, the pacey 27-year-old winger, has signed a four-year contract with Bengaluru FC, marking his return to the club after a three-year stint with Mohun Bagan Super Giant. Now a free agent, Ashique chose Bengaluru despite interest from multiple clubs, prioritizing proximity to his family in Kerala and being convinced by the club’s long-term vision.
“Everything aligned perfectly with the Bengaluru deal,” a source told TOI. The club’s decision to offer a long-term contract and the opportunity to stay closer to home made the switch an easy choice for the winger, who has a young child.
During his time at Bagan, Ashique struggled to meet expectations, largely due to recurring injuries. Over the past two Indian Super League (ISL) seasons — both of which Bagan won — he featured in 18 matches each year but failed to score. His previous stint at Bengaluru saw him notch two goals and one assist across 39 appearances.
Having recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during India’s King’s Cup clash against Iraq in 2023, Ashique is now seeking a fresh start. He underwent surgery and faced a lengthy rehabilitation but has since returned to full fitness.
An Indian national team regular since 2018, Ashique has played under coaches Stephen Constantine, Igor Stimac, and most recently, Manolo Marquez, featuring in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.
Club officials believe Ashique’s versatility, speed, and dribbling skills will reinvigorate Bengaluru FC’s attack — if he can rediscover his finishing touch.
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