Transfer Saga: How have NorthEast United started their resurrection?

NorthEast United let go 18 players and signed 19 new acquisitions.

Indian Super League side NorthEast United FC have undergone a major overhaul over the course of the summer. The club’s new CEO Mandar Tamhane has completely transformed the side with changes in every department.

The club saw the departures of 18 first team players from last season and the arrival of 19 new and fresh players and a new coaching staff as well. NorthEast United put up a good show in the Durand Cup with their new squad and will want to build upon it in the ISL.

On that note, let us take a look at how the club performed during the transfer window.

Transfers In

Ibson Melo 

The Brazilian striker has come in from the Thai League with a proven track record. He was one of the best players for the Highlanders during the Durand Cup.

Nestor Albiach 

The Spanaird comes into the Highlanders setup with a bag full of experience. He will help the team with all-round abilities on the pitch. He performed really well during the Durand Cup.

Michel Zabaco

A product of Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, Zabaco is a true leader in defence. His cool and calm attitude at the back will be very beneficial for the Highlanders. Moreover, he can score and assist as well.

Yaser Hamed

The young defender was in NorthEast United’s radar for quite some time. The Palestine international brings a lot to the table for the Highlanders and is surely one of the players to keep an eye on.

Mohammad Ali Bemammer

The Moroccan defensive midfielder has previously worked under head coach Juan Pedro Benali. His experience with the head coach will come in very handy for the Highlanders. He showed good signs during the Durand Cup campaign.

Thoi Singh

The 19-year-old centre forward is a product of Bengaluru FC. He is a bright prospect and gave a glimpse of his talent during the Durand Cup. Thoi has also won the golden ball at the RFDL championship in 2022.

Dipesh Chauhan

The young shot-stopper has come in to strengthen NorthEast United’s goalkeeping department. He has also elevated through the ranks of the BFC academy.

Redeem Tlang

It is a homecoming for NorthEast United’s very own Redeem Tlang. The winger is back at his home club and will be raring to go and put his best foot forward. Tlang will be keen to redeem himself after a couple of disappointing seasons.

Fredy Chawngthansanga

Fredy has also come up through the ranks of Bengaluru FC. He is a promising young attacking player who can become a great asset if nurtured properly. 

Bekey Oram

Bekey is one of the signings for NorthEast United. A top player at the 2022 edition of the RFDL, Bekey has put up good performances for Bengaluru FC’s reserves side and Karnataka on a regular basis.

Phalguni Singh

Phalguni has been a great signing for the Highlanders. He has the ability to change so much up front. His energy, work-rate and skills are simply unmatched. Keep an eye on this boy.

Dinesh Singh

Dinesh is one more good signing for the side. He can play across multiple positions in the backline which gives head coach Juan Pedro Benali a lot of options. Moreover, he had a great campaign in the I-League last season.

Asheer Akhtar

Asheer has been a solid defensive addition to the NorthEast United line-up. His versatility makes him even more useful for the coach and the team. He also had a great season in the I-League last year.

Shajan Franklin

The young forward has joined the Highlanders from FC Bengaluru United ahead of the 2023-24 ISL season. He played a key part in Karnataka’s Santosh Trophy triumph this year.

Shigil Nambrath

Shigil is also one of the players who have joined the Highlanders from the Bengaluru FC academy.

Mukul Panwar

The 16-year-old is just getting started. A product of the Chandigarh Football Academy, Mukul had a great outing at the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup where he scored against the eventual champions Japan.

Buanthanglun Samte

Samte is a good addition to the Highlanders’ defensive ranks. He had a good season in the I-League with TRAU FC last year. He is full of energy, speed and can operate at multiple positions.

Macarton Louis Nickson

Macarton also joined NorthEast United after having played for FC Bengaluru United. He is a very technical player and was tracked by NorthEast United’s assistant coach Naushad Moosa.

Danny Meetei

Danny is a young attacking midfielder who has shown good signs in the last few months. He played a crucial role in India’s U-17 SAFF triumph and was also one of the best players for India at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup. He has the experience of playing against Spanish giants like Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Loan

Alfred Lalruotsang

The young forward has been loaned out to I-League side Rajasthan United FC.

Transfers Out

Jordan Wilmar Gil (Free Transfer)

Jordan’s contract ran out marking the end of his tenure at the club.

Aaron Evans (Free transfer)

Evan’s contract also ran out and wasn’t renewed.

Joseb Beitia (Free Transfer)

His contract was also not renewed.

Arindam Bhattacharya (Free Transfer)

Arindam’s stint at Northeast United got over as he had a one-year contract only.

Joe Zoherliana (Contract Terminated)

Joe’s contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Mashoor Shereef (Free transfer)

His contract ran out at the end of the season.

Imran Khan (Free Transfer)

Imran’s contract with the club expired which led to his exit.

Sehnaj Singh (Free Transfer)

Sehnaj’s contract ran out at the end of the season.

Provat Lakra (Free Transfer)

Provat’s contract also expired and therefore he left the club.

Emanuel Lalchhanchhuaha (Free Transfer)

Emanuel’s contract with NorthEast United expired.

Dipu Mirdha (Free Transfer)

Dipu’s contract with the club expired at the end of last season.

Danmawia (Free Transfer)

Danmawia's contract also ran out, leading to his departure.

Alisher Kholmurodov (Free Transfer)

Alsiher’s contract expired, which led to his exit.

Emil Benny (Undisclosed transfer fee; Jamshedpur FC)

Emil Benny joined Jamshedpur FC for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Provat Lakra (Free Transfer)

Provat’s contract expired, therefore he joined Jamshedpur FC on a free transfer.

Gurjinder Singh (Free Transfer)

Gurjinder’s contract expired, thereby leading to his departure after three years at the club.

Jestin George (Free Transfer)

Jestin’s contract ran out which led to his exit.

Mohamed Irshad (Contract terminated)

Mohmed Irshad’s contract was terminated on mutual terms.

The Highlanders were very active throughout the transfer window. They have let go of some big names and have brought in a new look squad. It is a new team with a new head coach and NorthEast United will hope that all the hard work in the off season pays off.

Juan Pedro Benali has made some very good additions to his squad. And if the players can put the club’s plan on the pitch, there’s no stopping them. They should’ve certainly worked on filling a few positions with better players, but nonetheless, they look better than last season on paper.