I-League 2019-20: Five January signings that went under the radar

Several clubs were involved in transfer business right before the conclusion of the window.

The I-League has approached its halfway stage and several clubs were busy during the winter transfer window last month to lure in players whom they felt could further solidify their fortunes going ahead in the season. With an abundant number of matches still to play, there is a lot at stake for many of these clubs. In this article, we at Khel Now showcase some of the transfers that went under the radar. [KH_ADWORDS type="3" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]s

5. Subhash Singh to NEROCA FC

Subhash Singh has returned to NEROCA FC from Real Kashmir FC after spending a considerable time with the Valley-based football club. The former Mumbai City FC winger has now done a complete U-turn, shifting back to NEROCA merely months after having departed from the club. The 29-year-old scored eight goals for the team in the previous two seasons, but sought a move away to Kashmir ahead of this campaign. However, unable to fit into the system prevalent in the side, Singh could notch only a single appearance for Real Kashmir this season. Now, he will spend the remainder of the I-League campaign with NEROCA, who have endured a difficult run so far, as they are placed in the tenth spot in the points table currently. The experienced winger’s return to the club could provide them a much-needed boost to revive their fortunes this term.

4. Matias Veron to Aizawl FC

Aizawl FC's star from their most recent victory against East Bengal, Matias Veron, is a name that is generally unheard of even in the deepest echelons of the Indian football circles. The 26-year-old Argentine, earlier had a trial with Gokulam Kerala and was touted to sign a deal with the club. However, the move apparently fell apart due to certain reasons and Aizawl subsequently secured the services of the midfielder. His influence at the centre of the park could come in handy for the team. Even in the encounter against East Bengal, Veron came off the bench to score the only goal of the match and notched the vital victory for his side. We can expect to witness more of the same as the campaign progresses.

3. Pedro Socrates to Churchill Brothers

Churchill Brothers have had a mixed season so far, as with four victories from nine matches, they are in seventh spot at the moment. However, with two matches in hand as compared to as many as four teams in the league, they have a chance of closing in on the top spots in the standings. Interestingly, they have also made a significant signing in Pedro Socrates. [KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS] The 27-year-old forward was playing for Lusitano in the Campeonato de Portugal, which is the third-tier football league in Portugal. He had scored four goals in 17 matches for them, before making the move in January to Churchill Brothers. Socrates can play on either flank and could turn out to be a valuable addition for the Goan club as the season progresses. He started the match in their recent 4-1 victory against NEROCA, playing as a left-winger.

2. Valci Junior to Punjab FC

Punjab FC seem to be the closest competitors to Mohun Bagan this season, as they closely follow the top-placed side with 17 points from 10 encounters so far. In a bid to further strengthen their squad, they lured in a seasoned Brazilian forward, Valci Junior. Very little is known about Valci’s professional playing career though. So far, Valci has represented Punjab FC in two matches and is most likely to be used sporadically as a squad player, to be called upon whenever the need arises. It would be interesting to witness how this particular transfer unfolds for the Warriors.

1. Robin Singh to Real Kashmir 

Hyderabad FC are in the midst of a complete re-build ever since they sacked Phil Brown last month. The final couple of months of the season could be considered a transition period of them, where they have shipped in and out quite a few players to trim and accordingly qualitatively enhance the squad. [KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News | Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS] In the process, a name that often makes heads turn, Robin Singh, was allowed to go out on loan to Real Kashmir. Robin had endured an undermining ISL season, where he bagged only a single goal in nine appearances. He has had ample experience in the past in the I-League, having played for over five seasons, before making the move to now-defunct Delhi Dynamos in 2015. Being one of the more talked about former national team players in the country, Robin has gradually slid away from the attention of the masses due to his sub-par outings on a consistent basis. That might be the primary reason behind his switch to the Snow Leopards. Hopefully, a change of leagues and the serene surroundings of the Valley can help the man rediscover his long lost touch and form.