Indian Football Transfers: Fowler to East Bengal? Gomez joins Blasters

Several high-profile signings were made by clubs in the last week.

The summer window in Indian football is entering its final stages and several clubs are close to finalising their transfers. Most of them are beginning pre-season preparations too. Numerous sides are only filling up the last few foreigner slots in their squads now. The previous week saw Sandesh Jhingan signing up to play for ATK Mohun Bagan. Moreover, East Bengal FC’s participation in the Indian Super League has been confirmed now. Hence, they might acquire multiple players in the coming weeks.

Let us take a look at the important transfer developments from the last seven days:

FC Goa

James Donachie

FC Goa strengthened their backline by signing defender James Donachie from A-League outfit Newcastle Jets. The 27-year-old has been roped in on a year-long loan deal. He has played in five editions of the AFC Champions League for different clubs. Donachie’s experience in the continental championship will be valuable for the Gaurs in the 2020-21 season.

Mohamed Ali

Mohamed Ali has penned a two-year contract extension with FC Goa. The 28-year-old has made 24 appearances for the team since 2017-18. Juan Ferrando might be eyeing a squad role for the defender.

ATK Mohun Bagan

Bradden Inman

ATK Mohun Bagan have added flair in the midfield by signing Bradden Inman from Brisbane Rovers. The player joined the Kolkata-based club for an undisclosed fee. He had notched four goals in 25 appearances for the A-League club last season.

Sandesh Jhingan

https://twitter.com/atkmohunbaganfc/status/1309787294941941761

Putting rest to speculation, Sandesh Jhingan has signed a five-year contract with ATKMB. Several clubs had lined up to sign the high-profile defender. Moreover, Jhingan has become one of the highest-paid with the move.

Chennaiyin FC

Enes Sipovic

Centre-back Enes Sipovic has joined Chennaiyin FC on a free transfer. His previous stint was with Qatari club Umm Salal FC. Sipovic hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will look to fill Lucian Goian’s void in the defensive line.

Kerala Blasters

Vicente Gomez

Kerala Blasters have roped in defensive midfielder Vicente Gomez from Spanish second division side Deportivo de la Coruna. He has previously been a stalwart for Las Palmas too.

Gomez helped them gain promotion to LaLiga in the 2015-16 season. The Spaniard also led the side against the likes of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. That experience will surely come in handy in his forthcoming spell with the Blasters.

NorthEast United FC

Khassa Camara

https://twitter.com/NEUtdFC/status/1309098044714037251

As revealed by Khel Now earlier this month, NEUFC have inducted midfield enforcer Khassa Camara into their roster. The French-born Mauritanian has been roped in on a year-long deal.

Luis Machado

NorthEast United has completed the signing of Portuguese winger Luis Machado. The 27-year-old has previously played for clubs like CD Tondela and CD Feirense. Machado will add some incisiveness and quality for the Highlanders from the flanks.

ALSO READ: East Bengal: Five ways in which ISL can benefit from club’s entry

East Bengal

Robbie Fowler

Goal have reported Robbie Fowler will be East Bengal's head coach for the next season. The 45-year-old is an icon for English giants Liverpool FC. He last managed Brisbane Roar in Australia. Fowler was named the A-League Coach of the Month in January and February 2020.

Hyderabad FC

Francisco Sandaza

https://twitter.com/HydFCOfficial/status/1307990575958777859

Hyderabad FC have bolstered their attack, as Spanish striker Francisco Sandaza has penned a one-year contract with the club. The 35-year-old has immense experience at notable clubs.

He has had stints with Brighton and Hove Albion, Rangers FC, Girona FC, Valencia "B," FC Tokyo among others. Sandaza has also formerly played in the AFC Champions League for the Japanese club.

Thangboi Singto

Thangboi Singto has joined Hyderabad FC as a senior assistant coach and technical director (youth). He will be a vital part of Manolo Marquez’s staff. Singto spent the previous season donning a similar role at Odisha FC.

TRAU FC

Soram Anganba Poirei

Manipur-based TRAU FC have signed custodian Soram Anganba Poirei. The 27-year-old last represented NEUFC in 2019-20. Overall, he has made 13 appearances in the ISL.

Shouvik Ghosh

Defender Shouvik Ghosh has penned a deal with TRAU FC too. He can play as a centre-back and left-back. Ghosh has turned out for clubs like Mohun Bagan, Jamshedpur FC, and Mumbai City FC in his career.

“I will also try my best to make TRAU FC the next I-League champion,” the player stated in the official announcement. Moreover, the club also extended the contract of midfielder Sougrakpam Netrajit Singh.

Odisha FC

Odisha FC officially announced the parting of ways with six players from the first team who featured for them in the previous seasons. Those included Narayan Das, Chhuantea, Romeo Fernandes, Amit Tudu, Bikramjit Singh and Rana Gharami.

Gokulam Kerala

Rowilson Rodrigues

https://twitter.com/GokulamKeralaFC/status/1310166771056300034

Gokulam Kerala announced the arrival of seasoned defender Rowilson Rodrigues to their setup. The player has previously won the I-League with Churchill Brothers and Dempo SC.

“I was out of action for almost one year due to injury. Now, that I have recovered, I am ready to give the best for Malabarians. I believe my experience and ability will help Gokulam to win the league this season with flying colours,” Rodrigues expressed.

Churchill Brothers

Fernando Santiago Varela

The Red Machines have hired Fernando Santiago Varela as their new head coach. The Spaniard was at the helm of Gokulam Kerala until August.

He led them to a fifth-place finish in I-League 2019-20. Varela also lifted the Durand Cup with the Malabarians last year. Churchill Brothers will harbour high hopes from the tactician. 

NEROCA FC

Rahul Yadav

NEROCA FC have acquired goalkeeper Rahul Yadav. The player hails from Mumbai. He has played for Air India, Sporting Clube de Goa and Kenkre FC previously. Yadav has also been a part of Maharashtra team in the Santosh Trophy.

Santa Yumlembam

19-year-old centre-back Santa Yumlembam has signed for the I-League club. He has played for Eastern Sporting Union, Sudeva Football Club and was scouted by the management of NEROCA.

Saikhom Thomas

On Sunday, the club revealed, “We are happy to announce than an experienced central defender Saikhom Thomas has penned down with NEROCA FC. He is from Laipham Khunou and his age is 33 years.” The team from Manipur are looking to add further alternatives to their defensive unit.