Indian Football Transfers: Mumbai City sign Santana, Kone joins Blasters

The transfer window closed on October 20 while the player registration window closed on October 23.

The Indian Super League and I-League clubs are in the final stage of completion of their transfers after a busy deadline week. A lot of big names have been roped in the final hours by a few clubs, most of them being foreigners. Teams like Mumbai City FC and RoundGlass Punjab FC particularly had a lot of new names joining their squad for the upcoming season. We take a look at the transfers in the previous week in Indian football.

Chennaiyin FC

Jakub Sylvestr

Chennaiyin FC announced the signing of Slovakian striker Jakub Sylvestr on Tuesday. The 31-year-old joined the Marina Machans after completing his contract with the Israel top division club Hapoel Haifa FC.

“I am excited about signing for CFC and coming to India for the first time. This is quite a new adventure for me – a new continent, a new family, a new way of life living in the bubble and playing football. I am looking forward to being with the team in Goa very soon. I will put my best foot forward to help the team succeed,” said Sylvestr on joining the two-time ISL champions.

Mumbai City FC

Bartholomew Ogbeche

https://youtu.be/JVX8wUWY2JM

Former Kerala Blasters man Bartholomew Ogbeche joined the ranks at Mumbai City FC. The Islanders announced the signing of the forward on Wednesday. After putting pen to paper for the club, Ogbeche said, “I’m very happy and excited to be here at Mumbai City. Besides the brilliant mix of youth and experience in our team, the apparent quality and level of the squad speak volumes about the ambitions we have here at the club.”

Ahmed Jahouh

Reuniting with Sergio Lobera, Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh joined the Islanders on a two-year-long deal. Mumbai City FC announced the signing of the midfielder on Thursday. Speaking after his signing, head coach Lobera said, “Ahmed is, and I’ve said this before, someone who can control the game. He is an exceptional player and having worked with Ahmed before, I know he can make a difference."

Phurba Lachenpa and Mehtab Singh

The Islanders roped in two young Indian prodigies on multi-year deals. Phurba Lachenpa joined the club after impressing with Real Kashmir last season on a four-year-long deal. The club announced his signing on Friday. Meanwhile, 22-year-old centre-back Mehtab Singh joined the Islanders on Saturday from East Bengal on a three-year deal.

Hernan Santana

Mumbai City FC on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Hernan Santana. The 30-year old Spaniard joins the Islanders on a season-long loan from Spanish second division side Real Sporting de Gijón. “I’ve heard a lot about the city of Mumbai and the fans already. I can’t wait to get started and compete for trophies with my new teammates, and most importantly, help make the city and its supporters proud," he said after the move.

Kerala Blasters

Bakary Kone

https://youtu.be/bJH8KYGS-DI

Burkina Faso international and former Lyon defender Bakary Kone joined Kerala Blasters on Thursday. Kone joins after playing a single game in the Russian Premier League for Arsenal Tula.

“Kone is a player with notable experience and skill, having played for renowned clubs in top European leagues. His presence will surely improve the defensive setup of our squad this season," said Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters.

Jordan Murray

Kerala Blasters announced the signing of Jordan Murray on Saturday. The 25-year-old forward joins in as the final foreigner signing for the Kerala club. The Australian fulfills the ‘AFC player’ category and hence joins the club as their Asian signing.

After spending two years with the A-League side Central Coast Mariners, Jordan Murray will be joining Kerala Blasters to replace the departing Bartholomew Ogbeche.

Jamshedpur FC

Nicholas Fitzgerald

https://twitter.com/JamshedpurFC/status/1318916125468495872

Jamshedpur FC made a stellar move to sign proven Australian player Nicholas John Fitzgerald, fondly known as Nick, for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2020-21. With this signing Jamshedpur FC fulfilled the league’s criteria for an AFC Asian player among its foreigners. Nick comes with a trophy-laden career having won the A-League twice, first in 2011-12 with Brisbane Roar and again in 2012-13 with Central Coast Mariners. He has also won the FFA Cup with Melbourne City in 2016.

Gokulam Kerala

Ajin Tom

Twenty-year-old Ajin Tom has signed for Gokulam Kerala FC for the upcoming I-League season. The young and talented Kerala player had made 11 appearances for Indian Arrows during the I-League 2019-20 and had a stint with Chennaiyin FC ‘B’ team during 2018-19 season. He was also part of the 24-member probable list for the under-17 world cup team. Khel Now had previously reported that the youngster was in advanced talks with the Malabarians.

Sudeva FC

Sairuat Kima

Sudeva FC have roped in former Bengaluru FC centre-back Sairuat Kima. The young defender joins the I-League club after having represented the Blues, Jamshedpur FC and DSK Shivajians. The I-League newcomers officially announced the move on Wednesday.

Malsawmzuala

Another young Indian player to have gone from Bengaluru FC to join Sudeva FC this season is Malsawmzuala. The I-League club announced the signing of the 23-year-old midfielder on Friday. He brings in the experience of playing across various tournaments & leagues such as AFC Cup, ISL, I-League, Durand Cup, Federation Cup & Super Cup as well.

RoundGlass Punjab FC

Bikramjit Singh and Sumeet Passi

https://twitter.com/RGPunjabFC/status/1318618925723226119

India international and former Jamshedpur FC forward Sumeet Passi and midfielder Bikramjit Singh joined RoundGlass Punjab FC on two-year-long deals each. The club announced the signing of the two players on Tuesday.

Joseba Beitia, Chencho Gyeltshen, Danilo Quipapa

The Punjab-based club also announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Joseba Beitia on a two-year-long deal on Tuesday. Former Bengaluru FC winger and Bhutan international Chencho Gyeltshen too signed a deal with them. Along with Beitia and Gyeltshen, the club has retained the services of defender Danilo Quipapa who was impactful at the back last season.

Abhinas Ruidas, Sanju Pradhan, Rupert Nongrum

Former Mumbai City FC players Abhinas Ruidas and Sanju Pradhan have signed for the RoundGlass Punjab FC. The club announced their signings on their social media on Wednesday. Apart from the duo, the club has also roped in former NorthEast United winger Rupert Nongrum who made four appearances in the top tier last season.

Mohammedan SC

Jose Hevia

Mohammedan SC announced the appointment of head coach Jose Hevia for their upcoming I-League campaign. The Spaniard comes in with a lot of experience of working with Indian clubs such as Shillong Lajong, Punjab FC and FC Pune City at various roles.