Top three clubs that should target Madih Talal for upcoming ISL season

The attacking midfielder could instigate a bidding war between multiple ISL clubs next season.

Plenty of new faces have left a good impression but few have had an impact similar to Madih Talal in his debut Indian Super League (ISL) season. The Frenchman has been integral to everything positive in Punjab FC’s maiden ISL campaign after the former I-League side became the first club in the history of Indian football to earn promotion to the top of the Indian league pyramid on merit.

Winning the I-League 2022-23 meant that The Shers needed talent that could compete with other ISL clubs. Many people assumed that PFC would enlist the services of former ISL experience having foreigners but Madih Talal was an entirely different case. The midfielder joined Punjab FC on a free transfer from AE Kifisias a club in Greece and few people in India knew about his capabilities.

With three goals and five assists in the first 16 appearances for a struggling Punjab FC in the Indian Super League 2023-24, Madih Talal has raised eyebrows aplenty. He has impressed the fans with his creativity, technical superiority, reading of the game, and expert finishing. Expectedly, seasoned and richer ISL clubs will be on the hunt to hire his services for the 2024-25 season. 

With a rat race expected to begin for Talal’s signature in the upcoming summer transfer window, here is a look at the top three clubs that should target him:

FC Goa

Manolo Marquez has had an instant positive impact at FC Goa. The tactician excels at utilising players with flair like Madih Talal who can play multiple roles in an advanced midfield role or the forward lineup. The outfit brought in Borja Herrera as a replacement for Victor Rodriguez who had to, unfortunately, miss a huge part of the season due to a long-term injury.

Signing Madih Talal could be a long-term fix and relieve pressure from the likes of Brandon Fernandes. There is no ideal player to play in the No.10 role and to take the responsibility to create scoring chances in the roster. This is where Madih Talal could be a brilliant signing for The Gaurs next season. 

Mumbai City FC

Mumbai City FC lost Greg Stewart in the middle of the 2023-24 season and had to sign Iker Guarrotxena as a quick fix to the gaping hole left by the Scotsman. It remains to be seen if the Islanders extend Guarrotxena’s stay beyond his current campaign. If in case they do not, Madih Talal would be an ideal signing in the summer for the Islanders.

The 26-year-old could be a sensational addition to a star-studded Mumbai City FC squad which has the likes of Jorge Diaz and Alberto Noguera. The Islanders are known to sign goalscoring midfielders and Talal fits that profile like a glove.

Chennaiyin FC

Chennaiyin FC’s downfall from being one of the most successful clubs in the Indian Super League has been shocking. Owen Coyle has come in as the head coach to bring back the Marina Machans amongst the title contenders but the two-time ISL winners are struggling to even make it to the playoffs in the ongoing 2023-24 season. Scoring goals has been one of the major issues at the club and one that needs fixing in the summer.

Rafael Crivellaro shoulders the bulk of responsibility in the attacking third which is simply cruel to ask of someone who is 35 years old and is on his last legs. The outfit needs tenacious figures like Madih Talal next season to instill a sense of flair and fire in the forward lineup. It would be a huge statement if Chennaiyin FC swoops in for Talal’s signature ahead of other well-funded ISL entities. 

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