Transfer Saga: How did Bengaluru FC fared in the current transfer window?

Bengaluru FC released big names like Prabir Das, Roy Krishna and Sandesh Jhingan this transfer window

Bengaluru FC has been through a transformation, which can be observed in their approach of recruiting. They are yet to make an impact on the league despite winning the Indian Super League in 2018-19. The Blues made a long-awaited comeback after a sluggish start to the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2022–23 season. They went unbeaten for 10 games, secured a spot in the top four of the league standings, and advanced all the way to the final.

The Blues have kept a number of their top performers from last season and have added strong players to their roster in this summer transfer window. Thus, it will be enthralling to watch how Bengaluru FC gears up in the opening game of ISL against Kerala Blasters on September 21st at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

Here is a look at Bengaluru FC's transfer window as the team gears up for the 2023–2024 Indian Super League season following a disappointing 2023 ISL campaign:

Arrivals

Halicharan Narzary

The Blues have signed Halicharan Narzary to a three-year contract. He is a versatile player with extensive experience at the highest level, and he will provide Bengaluru FC with a solid foundation to build on.

Slavko Damjanovic

Slavko is the first of the Blues' foreign acquisitions for the new season, following the arrival of winger Halicharan Narzary. Damjanovic is undoubtedly the defender Grayson wanted following the departures of Sandesh Jinghan and other centre backs.

Salam Johnson Singh

The young player, who most recently played for TRAU FC in the I-League, has agreed to a three-year contract with Bengaluru FC that runs through 2026. So, when a fresh talent plays with experienced players like Sunil Chhteri, Javi Hernandez, Rohit Kumar, etc., he will undoubtedly provide some magic.

Rohit Danu

Rohit Danu is one of the potential signings for the Blues this season and he will surely bring in his young talented skills, to the team when mixing with other experienced players within the team.

Curtis Main

Curtis Main is the key signing for Bengaluru FC in this summer transfer window. Main is a striker who knows how to score goals, create chances in the final third and thus fans are anticipating a lot from him when he will play alongside Sunil Chhetri.

Jessel Carneiro

Bengaluru FC signed former Kerala Blasters captain Jessel Carneiro in the hope that he will have a positive impact on the squad when he plays in the backline.

Keziah Veendorp

In the hopes that he can add fresh innovation and creativity in the midfield when paired with star players like Javi Hernandez, Siva Shakti, Chhetri, etc., Bengaluru FC signed the Dutch defender for a two-year contract.

Along with this top signings there are also some other fresh talents that Bengaluru FC have signed ahead of their upcoming ISL campaign like: Shankar Sampingiraj, Vikram Lahkbir Singh, Edmund Lalrindika, Lara Sharma, Bidyashagar Singh.

Departures

Pablo Perez

For BFC in the Indian Super League, he only made one start for Bengaluru FC but made ten substitute appearances, scoring just one goal against Odisha FC.

Prabir Das

Prabir has played a significant role in Simon Grayson's team where he made 16 appearances from the right wing-back position, helping his team advance to another ISL final but still left to leave any strong impact as he did in his previous clubs.

Prince Ibara

Prince Ibara had a strong first season, scoring four goals and providing one assist. He was forced to miss the entire 2022–2023 season due to a long-term injury.

Sandesh Jhingan

Bengaluru FC parted ways with Sandesh Jhingan, who was one of the club's finest players. The 29-year-old was a real force in the defence for the Blues, winning 118 aerial duels.

Udanta Singh

Udanta Singh, was one of the longest-serving players at Bengaluru FC. When he was with Bengaluru FC, Udanta Singh significantly contributed to the team's success by winning major trophies.

Bruno Ramires

Bruno Ramires played in only 16 games during the ensuing ISL 2022–23 season. However, head coach Simon Grayson did not restrict his playing style to the midfield and made advantage of his mobility in the backline.

Roy Krishna

The Fijian striker, who was among the most productive players in the league, struggled to establish himself with the new team, contributing to just three goals in the first ten games.

Along with this big names there are also few players who parted ways with the Blues in this summer transfer period; Leon Augustine, Sharon P, Harmanpreet Singh, Wungngayam Muirang, Jayesh Rane, Ajay Chhetri and Thoi Singh.

Squad Analysis ahead of the 2023-23 ISL Campaign

On paper, this team is outstanding. From Gurpreet Singh Sandhu to Javi Hernandez, Halicharan Narzary, Slavko Damjanovic, Rohit Danu, Jessel Carniero, and Sunil Chhetri, they have some famous names wearing their jerseys. The highly anticipated combination play between Sunil Chhetri and Curtis Main will finally show up at the forward line.

This front line will be one of the most interesting ones to watch with the potential addition of Siva Shakti, Sunil Chhetri, and Curtis Main. BFC also has a strong backline with the inclusion of Slavko Damjanovic, Keziah Veendorp alonside Jessel.

Having said that, excitement among the fandom has increased due to recent additions the team made ahead of the upcoming coveted competition. And fans are surely anticipating on how their team performs in their opening clash against Kerala Blasters in Kochi on 21st September.