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ISL- Indian Super League

Top 10 most expensive Indian footballers in ISL history

Published at :August 13, 2024 at 7:58 PM
Modified at :August 13, 2024 at 7:59 PM
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Rutvij Joshi

Indian footballers have received big money switches in the ISL.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has evolved significantly since its inception and has seen many multi-dimensional changes transforming the league into a dynamic platform for football in India. Clubs have not only focused on enhancing the league’s competitive nature but have also sustained themselves by making significant investments in acquiring top talent.

In recent years, the trend of paying substantial transfer fees has emerged, glorifying the league’s growing financial muscle and ambition. We at Khel Now will provide a detailed look at some of the most high-profile and expensive transfers in ISL history.

10. Liston Colaco – ₹1 Cr. approx (Hyderabad to ATK Mohun Bagan)

Liston Colaco made a significant impact during his brief time at Hyderabad FC, dazzling fans with his dribbling skills and pace.

Despite playing just one season with the club, his standout performances drew attention from across the league. In a notable transfer, ATK Mohun Bagan acquired him for approximately ₹1 crore, aiming to add more attacking firepower and creativity to their squad.

9. Prabhsukhan Singh Gill – ₹1.2 Cr. approx (Kerala Blasters to East Bengal)

Prabhsukhan Singh Gill established himself as a reliable goalkeeper at Kerala Blasters, especially for his impressive shot-stopping abilities.

East Bengal, under the new management of the Emami Group, were looking to strengthen their defence. They identified the lanky goalkeeper and signed him for around ₹1.2 crores in the summer of 2023. 

8. Asish Rai – ₹ 1.5 Cr. approx (Hyderabad FC to ATK Mohun Bagan)

Asish Rai became a prominent full-back in the ISL, recognized for his defensive skills and ability to support the attack.

Rai’s versatility and consistency made him a valuable asset to the team from Telangana, enhancing their defensive options and doubling up with his offensive output. After several clubs expressed interest, ATK Mohun Bagan secured his services in 2023 for approximately ₹1.5 crores.

7. Aibhanbha Dohling – ₹1.5 Cr. approx (FC Goa to Kerala Blasters)

Aibanbha Dohling showed promise during his tenure with FC Goa, featuring in 43 matches and demonstrating solid defensive capabilities.

In 2023, Kerala Blasters invested around ₹1.5 crores to bring Dohling into their squad, aiming to bolster their defensive lineup with his skills and experience. 

6. Apuia Ralte – ₹1.6 Cr. approx (Mumbai City FC to Mohun Bagan SG)

Apuia joined Mohun Bagan SG in the summer transfer window of 2024 after the club decided to pay his release clause and sign the player from Mumbai City FC. The transfer fee was close to ₹1.6 Cr. approx including taxes.

5. Apuia Ralte – ₹2 Cr. approx (NorthEast United to Mumbai City FC)

Apuia is known for his energetic play and excellent ball-winning abilities. He had impressed fans and even caught the eye of the then national team coach Igor Stimac during his time with NorthEast United.

His performances attracted interest from multiple clubs, but it was Mumbai City FC who managed to sign him for approximately ₹2 crores. Apuia’s dynamic midfield presence and his ability to cover every blade of glass were seen as a crucial addition to Mumbai’s ambitions, both in domestic and continental competitions.

4. Anwar Ali – ₹2.5 Cr. approx (Delhi FC to East Bengal)

After much controversy and news, East Bengal finally got their man in the summer of 2024. Anwar Ali joined East Bengal from I-League Delhi FC for Rs 2.5 crores transfer fee, signing a five-year contract with his new club.

3. Akash Mishra – ₹3 Cr. approx (Hyderabad FC to Mumbai City FC)

Akash Mishra is a promising young left-back touted as the next big star of Indian football. The UP-born defender quickly rose through the ranks at Hyderabad FC, earning recognition for his defensive prowess and versatility. Akash was a subject to transfer to various clubs after his brilliant performances for the Nizams. 

After 62 appearances, he was eventually signed by the City Football Group-owned Mumbai City for around ₹3 crores in 2023. This move was part of Mumbai’s strategy to build a strong squad with a mix of youth and experience, positioning themselves as strong contenders for the ISL title for years to come.

2. Anirudh Thapa – ₹3 Cr. approx (Chennaiyin FC to Mohun Bagan Super Giant)

Anirudh Thapa’s consistent performances over seven seasons with Chennaiyin FC made him one of the most sought-after midfielders on the Indian football circuit. His experience with the national team and in the ISL had already made him a household name amongst Indian football enthusiasts.

In 2023, he was signed by Mohun Bagan Super Giant for approximately ₹3 crores after donning the Marina Machans’ jersey 103 times. The Kolkata club, backed by the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, aimed to create “Galacticos” drawing parallels from the iconic Real Madrid side assembled in 2003 by Florentino Perez. Thapa too was seen as a crucial piece in their ambitious project, as the club made many big-money signings that season.

1. Jeakson Singh – ₹3.3 Cr. approx (Kerala Blasters to East Bengal)

Jeakson Singh gained national recognition for his historic goal in the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Following the U-17 success, he joined Kerala Blasters in 2018 and became a pivotal figure for the team over six seasons, also making him one of the mainstays of the Indian football team during that period.

The Manipuri midfielder had played for the Kerala-based side in 76 matches. In the summer of 2024, after many rounds of negotiations and a bidding war consisting of multiple clubs, East Bengal finally acquired Jeakson for around ₹3.3 crores. The amount is the highest transfer fee paid for an Indian player in the ISL. 

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