Weekly Transfers Roundup: Boumous' record deal, Hyderabad sign Ogbeche

There was plenty of movement in the market in the previous week.

Indian football saw a flurry of transfer activity in the previous week. Clubs from the Indian Super League and I-League are ramping up preparations ahead of the new season. Many players are switching clubs in order to find more time on the pitch or seeking greener pastures for ambition. 

Transfer activity is picking up pace as the clubs are looking to bolster their squads ahead of the new season. Here is a look at the previous week’s transfer news in Indian football in a weekly roundup.

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Indian Super League

ATK Mohun Bagan

The Mariners made massive moves in the market, in order to go a step better next season. The club announced the successful acquisition of Ashutosh Mehta from NorthEast United FC. The defender earned a national team call-up earlier this year, courtesy of his impressive performances with the Highlanders.

Furthermore, ATK Mohun Bagan created history by signing Hugo Boumous in the most expensive transfer move of all time in Indian football. The Frenchman comes from Mumbai City FC, after guiding them to the ISL shield and ISL trophy last term. The Mariners shelled out  ₹2 crores transfer fee for the player who will earn ₹12.5 crores over the next five years.

Hyderabad FC

Hyderabad FC announced the departure of their defender Odei Onaindia who rejoined CD Mirandes in the previous week. The Spaniard was a crucial piece in Hyderabad's impressive defence and the club will be looking for replacements. 

The Nizams also confirmed the arrival of Bartholomew Ogbeche in a one-year contract. The Nigerian will further bolster the squad with experience and goalscoring ability. The signing is a huge statement of intent by the club.

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In addition to Ogbeche, Hyderabad FC are also set to sign Edu Garcia. The midfielder has left the Mariners after the player and the club decided to mutually part ways. The Spaniard was a crucial element in the ATK Mohun Bagan squad and will immediately improve the Nizams. 

Odisha FC

The Bhubaneswar-based outfit confirmed the signing of  Isaac Vanmalsawma from Jamshedpur FC. The winger has signed a two-year contract with the club with an option for another year’s extension. Odisha FC are looking to improve from the bottom-placed finish in the 2020-21 season, which is why they have been highly active in the Indian football transfer market in this summer.

Moreover, the Juggernauts have completed the signing of former Indian Arrows player Nikhil Raj. The striker arrives on a loan deal from Bengaluru-based club Kickstart FC. The 20-year-old will be raring to prove his worth in the ISL. 

Chennaiyin FC

Two-time ISL champions, Chennaiyin FC have completed the signing of goalkeeper Debjit Majumder. The custodian played for ISL debutants SC East Bengal last year and made 50 saves in total. The 33-year-old has signed a multi-year deal with the Marina Machans and will provide experience under the bars. It will be interesting to see if he starts over 24-year-old Vishal Kaith in the upcoming season.

Chennaiyin FC have also brought in Deepak Devrani on a multi-year deal. The 28-year-old comes from Gokulam Kerala FC after helping them win the I-League title last season. The defender will certainly bolster the club, as they look to improve on an eighth-place finish in 2020/21.

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Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC announced the arrival of Vincy Barretto from Gokulam Kerala. The defender was part of the Malabarians' I-League winning side last season and will hope to replicate his last season's form in the ISL. Barretto has signed a multi-year deal with the club after the Yellow Army paid an undisclosed fee for his release.

I-League

Gokulam Kerala FC

The reigning I-League champions have added Rakshit Dagar to their ranks to replace outgoing Ubaid CK. Rakshit featured for Sudeva Delhi in the previous year and a move to Gokulam could be a game-changer for him. 

Sreenidhi Deccan FC

New I-League entrants Sreenidhi Deccan FC continued their transfer activity, looking to build a competitive squad for their debut Indian football season. They have added Lalromawia to their ranks, who arrives from I-League winners Gokulam Kerala FC. The 23-year-old midfielder will add further energy to a growing squad at the club.

Mohammedan SC

The Black Panthers announced the arrival of Marcus Joseph in the previous week. The Trinidad & Tobago international has represented Gokulam Kerala previously in the I-League. He has scored 14 goals and provided five assists in 25 overall appearances. The 30-year-old striker can also play as a left-winger and will add a lot of firepower to the squad.

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NEROCA FC

NEROCA FC officially confirmed the extensions of two of their key players from last season.

Both Jiteshwor Yumkhaibam and Khaimin Lhungdim performed well for the Orange Brigade, in what was otherwise a very disappointing campaign in I-League 2020-21. Both players will now represent the team in the upcoming 2021-22 season.

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