Transfer Saga: How Mumbai City fared in summer window

Mumbai City haven’t made numerous changes to their core!

Des Buckingham’s team enjoyed quite an extraordinary ISL 2022-23 season having won the ISL League Shield. But, the Islanders unfortunately lost to Sunil Chhetri-led Bengaluru in the ISL semi-finals. 

Mumbai City FC have brought in exceptional players this season to give them an extra edge in the ISL. With the Indian Super League and AFC Champions League scheduled simultaneously this year for Mumbai, they will hope to prevent injuries and take as much rest as they can in between the tight schedule.

Arrivals

Akash Mishra: 

An important figure in the Indian football team, Akash Mishra has the potential to unlock any defence. The talented left-back joined Mumbai City FC on a five-year deal from Hyderabad FC.

Yoëll van Nieff:

Des Buckingham, head coach of the Islanders, has hailed Yoёll van Nieff for the experience and the quality he will bring to the Islanders. Mumbai City FC have roped in the midfielder on a two-year deal.

Tiri: 

Mumbai City FC have secured the signing of Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo, commonly referred to as Tiri. The Spanish player has inked a one-year contract, committing to the club until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. Following a year plagued by injuries, joining the ISL Shield holders Mumbai City FC signifies the commencement of a fresh chapter for Tiri.

Vinit Rai:

Vinit Rai, who spent a year-and-a-half on loan at Mumbai City FC, has now completed a permanent transfer to the Islanders. This move guarantees his stay at the club until the conclusion of the 2023-24 season. 

Seilenthang Lotjem:

Indian Super League Shield winners Mumbai City FC brought in promising 19-year-old winger Seilenthang Lotjem of Manipur for a three-year contract. With such a star-studded team around him and a chance to learn from Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Lotjem definitely has a bright future.

Franklin Robin Nazareth:

Nazareth has joined the Islanders from RF Youth Champs and this is a huge opportunity for him to learn from the best.

Nathan Asher Rodrigues:

A centre-back from RF Youth Champs, Nathan now has the chance to play under the guidance of Des Buckingham while learning from experienced defenders like Tiri, Rostyn Griffiths, and Mehtab Singh. This is set to be an enormous opportunity for him.

Jayesh Rane:

Rane has joined the Islanders from Bengaluru FC on a season-long loan. Rane boasts an impressive track record, having clinched the Indian Super League title twice, first with Chennaiyin FC in 2015 and later with Mohun Bagan Super Giant in 2020. In addition to his ISL victories, he also secured the I-League championship in 2017 while playing for Aizawl FC.

Departures:

Ahmed Jahouh:

Ahmed Jahouh has signed for Odisha FC on a two-year deal. Boasting an impressive record for Mumbai City FC, his departure will be a huge blow to the Islanders.

Mourtada Fall:

Along with Jahouh, Mourtada Fall also joined Odisha FC on a two-year deal. The 35-year-old served as the captain of Mumbai City FC during the 2022 AFC Champions League. Under his leadership, the Islanders achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian club to secure victory in Asia’s most prestigious tournament.

Raynier Fernandes:

Raynier Ferandes has moved to FC Goa on a multi-year deal. The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in Odisha’s recent triumph in the Hero Super Cup. Raynier was also a crucial member of the Mumbai City team that achieved the remarkable double victory in 2021 – both the ISL title and the League Winners’ Shield.

Jackichand Singh: 

I-League debutant Inter Kashi signed Mumbai City FC’s veteran player Jackichand Singh. The 31-year-old has rich experience playing for many ISL clubs which includes FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters etc.

Gursimrat Singh Gill:

Gill left Mumbai City FC and has joined East Bengal FC. As far as East Bengal is concerned, he is a natural fit for their defence.

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy:

Hyderabad FC acquired 25-year-old defender Vignesh Dakshinamurthy from Mumbai City FC. This transfer, involving an undisclosed transfer fee, ensures Dakshinamurthy’s presence at Hyderabad FC for a period of four years.

Asif Khan:

Asif Khan is without a club at the moment after leaving Mumbai City FC earlier this year. He’s an attacking midfielder with a knack for goals.

Huidrom Naocha Singh:

Indian full-back Huidrom Naocha Singh has transferred to Kerala Blasters for the upcoming season, arriving on a loan-deal from Mumbai City FC. Naocha can play several positions for his team.

Gyamar Nikum:

Mumbai City FC’s January signing Gyamar Nikum has been loaned out to Inter Kashi. This promising young player will have an excellent chance to enhance his skills while playing for the newly introduced I-League club.

Rowllin Borges:

FC Goa has secured the services of midfielder Rowllin Borges on a loan agreement that will last for the entire season. Borges is joining FC Goa from Mumbai City FC.

Naorem Tondomba Singh:

Naorem moved to Delhi FC on a loan from Mumbai City FC. Delhi FC plays in the 2nd Division League.

Amey Ranawade:

Mumbai City FC has officially announced that defender Amey Ranawade has been loaned to ISL side Odisha FC for the 2023-24 season. Amey Ranawade became part of the Mumbai City FC squad in October 2020 and contributed with 40 appearances for the club in various competitions.

Squad Analysis:

The Islanders lost some prominent stars like Jahouh and Mourtada Fall in the transfer window, but the CFG-owned club has signed some excellent players such as Akash Mishra, Tiri, and Nasser El Khayati.

Facing a tight schedule, Des Buckingham’s team will be looking to bolster their squad depth and prevent injuries. The ISL Shield winners performed exceptionally well last season and will hope to replicate the success this year.

The quality of their new signings is something Mumbai City FC fans will be looking forward to. Having said that, let’s see how the Islanders fare in this ISL.

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