Three Mohun Bagan players who can benefit from Samir Zeljkovic's arrival
Former Punjab FC player might add something different to the Mariners
Mohun Bagan have strengthened their squad for the 2026-27 season with the signing of midfielder Samir Zeljkovic as they aim to revamp their foreigner core for the upcoming campaign.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina midfielder attracted praise in the 2025-26 Indian Super League (ISL) for his impressive performances for Punjab FC, whom he helped stay alive in the title race until the final day.
Even apart from his heroics in the ISL, Zeljkovic is actually a highly experienced player who has almost a decade’s worth of playing experience and has played for a number of differen teams over the years. He has played in the top divisions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Uzbekistan and Serbia – as well as playing in the UEFA Europa Conference League as well!
Zeljkovic is a highly versatile player who can operate anywhere in the midfield and in the backline with relative ease as well. That is why his arrival should have an impact on multiple players in the Mohun Bagan side, helping improve their overall performances and impactfulness in the upcoming campaign as well.
Here, we look at the three Mohun Bagan players who can particularly benefit from Samir Zeljkovic’s arrival.
3. Alberto Rodriguez
A key reason for Mohun Bagan signing Samir Zeljkovic is because of how versatile he is and his capability of adapting into different systems with relative ease. The Bosnian midfielder is also well adverse at playing in the centre-back role, having done so at Punjab FC and at earlier parts of his career as well.
Zeljkovic is definitely physically well built enough to excel as a defender in the ISL, as he did quite a few times for the Shers.
As a result, the 28-year-old’s arrival should also end up benefitting Mohun Bagan centre-back Alberto Rodriguez – who is likely to stay at the club for the foreseeable future. Rodriguez will probably like playing with Zeljkovic, knowing how good the Bosnian is in terms of moving the ball out of the back and winning key duels against opposition attackers.
Zeljkovic’s proactive presence should motivate Alberto to play his natural game with ease, ensuring that the Spaniard can be the aggressive and commanding figure that he was in the 2024-25 campaign for the Mariners.
2. Sahal Abdul Samad
Even though he can operate as a centre-back with relative ease, Samir Zeljkovic’s natural position is that in a midfield pivot and he’s likely to play in that position for Mohun Bagan in the majority of matches going forward. The Bosnian midfielder can be a really commanding figure in the no.6 role for his side, as he proved with a string of eye-catching performances for Punjab FC in the ISL last season.
His presence should have a positive impact on Sahal Abdul Samad, who probably doesn’t have to worry about playing in a midfield pivot role anymore going forward at Mohun Bagan.
Sahal can now play in his natural no.10 role without worrying extensively about defensive duties, knowing that a sturdy player like Zeljkovic is behind him. The Bosnian midfielder is impressive when it comes to his ball-winning qualities and ability to regain possession in key areas, which he can use to lift some of the pressure of those around him.
With Zeljkovic behind protecting him, Sahal can probably operate with more freedom in a more attacking role for Mohun Bagan next season – looking to focus predominantly in creating chances or getting into more goal-scoring areas to finish them off clinically.
1. Lalengmawia Ralte
Of course, Samir Zeljkovic has mostly been brought to Mohun Bagan not only to improve their midfield shape – but also have a positive impact on their vibrant midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte. Apuia struggled to find a reliable partner to play alongside him in the 2025-26 season and the Mariners appear to have found a solution for that in the form of the experienced Bosnian midfielder.
Zeljkovic is someone who likes to operate in a deeper midfield role, helping move the ball away from his half and trigger attacking moves – as well as settling into the backline to add more protection for his defenders.
That should unlock Apuia to be able to play with more freedom in the 2026-27 season, enabling the Indian midfielder to focus on creating more goal-scoring chances or try nailing better defence-splitting passes to help with the build-up play.
Apuia can focus on being more aggressive in the midfield, trying to take a few more risks as he knows someone reliable like Samir would be behind him to protect him and the defenders, which can help unlock more traits in the Indian midfielder’s arsenal going forward.
How can Alberto Rodriguez benefit from Zeljkovic’s arrival?
Zeljkovic can operate alongside Alberto Rodriguez in defense or provide additional protection in midfield. This allows Alberto to play a more aggressive style, step out of defense confidently, and focus on his strengths as a commanding centre-back.
Why did Mohun Bagan sign Samir Zeljkovic?
Mohun Bagan signed Zeljkovic to strengthen their foreign contingent and add more balance to the squad. His versatility allows him to play as a defensive midfielder or centre-back, giving the team greater tactical flexibility.
Can Zeljkovic play as a centre-back?
Yes. Throughout his career, Zeljkovic has played both as a defensive midfielder and a centre-back. This versatility gives Mohun Bagan additional options in different formations and during injury situations.
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Uttiyo is a sports journalist who has been covering football since 2016. He is an avid football enthusiast who spends hours either watching the beautiful game or writing about it. He has covered various tournaments for Khel Now, such as the FIFA U17 World Cup, ISL, I-League & AFC Champions League.