Bengaluru FC sign midfielder Alwyn George

Bengaluru FC have signed midfielder Alwyn George for one year with the I-League football club having the option of extending it by another year, the club announced yesterday.

A product of the Tata Football Academy, where he spent three years, George went on to play for Pailan Arrows before spending two seasons at Dempo, who were relegated from the I-League last season. He has also played for the senior national team.

Head coach Ashley Westwood, in his preseason press conference in Bengaluru, had spoken about filling three to four slots in the team for the new season. George's signing marks the beginning of the process.

Having caught Westwood's eye while training with the national team, George was always on the Blues' radar, the club said in a media release.

"We're delighted to have Alwyn in the team. He is the first Indian player who had my attention simply because of the potential and natural ability he puts on display. A lot more was expected of him but, for whatever the reasons be, he hasn't been able to do justice to his potential," said Westwood of his latest acquisition.

The Nagpur-born George was named the 'Best Young Indian Player of the Season' by the Football Players Association of India for two seasons in a row (2012-13 and 2013-14).

He was part of the Dempo squad over the last two seasons but struggled to get adequate playing time, which ended in him losing his spot in the national team.

He believes that BFC is the springboard. "I am really excited to have signed for Bengaluru FC. No one comes close to them when it comes to running things professionally and I am glad I will get to experience that first-hand. The last couple of years haven't been my best but I now want to prove that I can force my way into the starting XI of any team," said George.