What does Bengaluru FC need to do in winter transfer window?

Bengaluru FC currently sit in the second spot in the ISL league standings.

The 2024-2025 Indian Super League (ISL) season has been a challenging yet hopeful journey for Bengaluru FC. After a turbulent 2023-2024 league campaign last season, the Blues got off the blocks quickly under their experienced coaching staff led by Spanish head coach Gerard Zaragoza.

However, their performances in the recent match weeks so far indicate there is still work to be done if they are to compete with the top teams in the division. As the January transfer window edges closer, Bengaluru FC will be looking at new opportunities to address their shortcomings.

The winter window serves as a major chance for Zaragoza to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the season. 

How the season is going for Bengaluru FC?

Bengaluru FC‘s season has been a mixed bag. While they’ve managed to secure important wins, inconsistency and defensive lapses have hampered their progress. Currently holding the second position in the league table, Bengaluru FC are a team that has shown a lot of potential with some struggles in finding the right balance defensively.

While showcasing moments of brilliance, Bengaluru have been unbeaten in their home games at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. The adoring passionate fans called the West Block Blues have helped their team build a fortress while playing at home. However, their away form this season has left much to be desired, with the team winning two matches, losing two matches and drawing one match.

Despite the challenges, Bengaluru FC remains in an imperious position and contention for a top-six playoff spot. The team have shown resilience in tough games. But the defensive solidity in critical moments and a tendency to falter against stronger opposition highlight the need for reinforcements. 

ALSO READ: What does East Bengal need to do in winter transfer window?

How Are the Summer Signings Performing?

Bengaluru FC made several key additions during the summer transfer window, aiming to strengthen their squad after a tough 2023-2024 season. While some signings have delivered on expectations, others have struggled to adapt to their roles in Zaragoza’s system. 

Their marquee signings, Pedro Capo and Jorge Pereyra-Diaz have been standout performers, contributing crucial goals and assists alongside captain Sunil Chhetri. The addition of versatile midfielders Pedro Capo and Alberto Noguera has added creativity to their play, but performances in the Blues’ defence have been a cause for concern.

Defensively, there were no major summer signings. The absence of big signings in defence has had a significant impact on the club’s ability to keep clean sheets. With the backline continuing to leak goals at crucial moments, good performances in attack are going to waste.

The team’s reliance on established and veteran players like Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu have underlined the need for fresh talent to share the burden. While players like Naorem Roshan Singh and Rahul Bheke have shown their class, the Blues lack depth beyond players in their starting 11.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Bengaluru FC

With veterans like Chhetri leading the team with crucial goals, Bengaluru FC possesses a wealth of experience and attacking talent that keeps them a formidable opponent in big games. The Blues have a solid record at home, where the electric atmosphere created by their fans spurs the team on. 

Their attacking lineup has shown promise, with young players like Vinith Venkatesh stepping up alongside seasoned campaigners. 

Bengaluru FC have struggled to maintain clean sheets, with their defence often exposed by pace, long balls and high-pressing teams. Injuries to key players have exposed the team’s thin bench, particularly in midfield and defence in the absence of players like Nikhil Poojary. 

The team have failed to string together a series of strong performances, often dropping points in winnable games. Losses against FC Goa and Odisha FC have exposed the team’s inability to win when it matters most.

What Bengaluru FC need in the winter transfer window?

As the January transfer window edges closer ahead of the new year, the window presents Bengaluru FC with a chance to address their weaknesses and build a squad capable of competing for the title.

Bengaluru FC must prioritize signing a commanding centre-back to shore up their defence. A versatile defender who can also play as a full-back would provide much-needed flexibility and depth. 

The team needs a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who can break up opposition play and contribute offensively. A player with strong passing ability and stamina would complement their current midfield options. 

While their attack has shown promise, Bengaluru FC often lacks creativity in the final third. A playmaker capable of unlocking tight defences with incisive passes would be a valuable addition. 

Investing in emerging Indian players is crucial for long-term success. Bengaluru FC have a history of nurturing young talent, and adding promising players to their roster will strengthen the team while aligning with the ISL’s developmental goals. 

Injuries to key players have hurt the team’s consistency. Signing reliable backups for positions like goalkeeper, striker, and defensive midfield would provide stability and allow for better squad rotation. 

With their passionate fanbase and solid foundation, Bengaluru FC have the potential to make huge waves this season. The decisions made in January will not only define their current campaign but also set the tone for the club’s future in the league for years to come. For Bengaluru FC, the stakes couldn’t be higher as they look to win their first ISL title since the 2018-2019 season.

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