ISL 2023-24: NorthEast United announce squad

NorthEast United have gone through an overhaul.

The Indian Super League is underway with its 10th edition. NorthEast United FC are also gearing up in full swing and are all set for their season opener against Mumbai City FC on Sunday.

The Highlanders had a disappointing season last time around, but are back with a fresh squad for the 2023 season. After the completion of last season, NorthEast United went on a magical run and made it to semi-finals of the Super Cup.

After the Super Cup, the club decided to start from scratch. And as a result, Mandar Tamhane was brought in as the club’s new CEO to get them back on track after a couple of disappointing ISL seasons.

The arrival of Mandar Tamhane has seen a lot of changes starting right from the coaching staff. Mandar brought in a fresh coaching staff led by Spanish head coach Juan Pedro Benali who will be assisted by Tamhane’s former colleague at Bengaluru FC Naushad Moosa. 

After the coaching staff was brought in place, the CEO and the new coaching staff decided to bid farewell to 17 players on a permanent basis and loaned out one player to an I-League side.

Once all of this was done, the Highlanders signed 19 new players during the transfer window, including five new foreign players. The club signed 14 young Indian players who either have a good track record or are starting to come through the ranks.

Juan Pedro Benali’s first assignment was the Durand Cup where he and his new-look squad exceeded everyone’s expectations. The Highlanders went on to the semi-finals and bowed out after an unlucky penalty shoot-out.

Squad

Now the Highlanders are ready for the latest edition of the ISL and here’s the squad that they have assembled to represent the eight states of the NorthEast. 

Goalkeepers:  Dipesh Chauhan, Jackson Singh, Mirshad Koottappunna

Defenders: Dinesh Singh. Tondonba Singh, Michel Zabaco, Asheer Akhtar, Gaurav Bora, Hira Mondal, Buanthanglun Samte, Yaser Hamed

Midfielders: Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Nestor Albiach, Romain Philippoteaux, Pragyan Sundar Gogoi, Macarton Louis Nickson, Gani Nigam, Bekey Oram, Phalguni Singh, Shighil, Fredy Chawngthansanga

Forwards: Rochharzela, Parthib Sundar Gogoi, Jithin MS, Manvir Singh, Redeem Tlang, Thoi Singh, Ibson Melo