Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri has joined Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan until December 2024. Colon FC also has the option to make the deal permanent later. Chhetri, who started the season with Chennaiyin FC as part of developmental signings, hasn't played for the club yet but has impressed the coaching staff during his time there.

Colon FC, play in Uruguay's second division. They have played only one match this season, giving Chhetri a chance to settle in and showcase his skills to the coaches. Chhetri's move makes him the second Indian player to sign for a South American club after Romeo Fernandes, who played for Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense in 2015.

It has to be seen how the 22-year-old will fare in South America but the Colon FC director seems very positive. Releasing a statement, Mr. Marcelo Rifas said, "When Bijay’s profile was proposed to us, looking at his videos from the past, his profile and our internal references, we got more and more confident of the player. Now we sincerely hope he can come at the earliest and get integrated into our team. We see him as a solid first-team player for us. It also helps us open a line of sourcing players from a new marketplace."