Bengaluru FC rope in J&K’s frontman Danish Farooq

The 25-year-old attacker, who is the first player from Jammu and Kashmir to sign for the club, has joined the ‘Blues’ ahead of their upcoming AFC Cup playoff stage clash against Eagles FC.

Danish spent his early stage career playing for the J&K Bank football academy where he wore the armband across age groups and led them to as many as 12 titles which earned him a move to Lonestar Kashmir in the I-League second division, and a season later with Real Kashmir.

"BFC is one of the best clubs in the country, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to be a part of it.  My immediate challenge is to do well in the AFC Cup and the Indian Super League. My ultimate goal is to achieve success with the club and to grow as a player," said Danish.

He was the side's joint top-scorer in a campaign that saw the Snow Leopards clinch the I-League 2nd Division title and earn promotion to the top flight.

In their first season in the I-League, Real Kashmir managed to finish third in the table, ahead of the likes of Mohun Bagan, Churchill Brothers and Gokulam Kerala FC.

"When I got a call from my agent, who told me that BFC was interested in signing me, we felt it was the best option for me to grow as both a player and to showcase my talent at the highest level," added Danish.

The attacking player, having amassed 48 appearances over the last three seasons in the I League has registered seven goals and five assists in that time.