ISL and I-league clubs compete in transfer battle as Indian football heats up!

The Transfer battle is heating up and the I-league clubs are doing their best to match up to the ISL rivals.

The Indian Transfer Window has seen a resurgence of activity after the conclusion of the Indian Super League Draft, which scattered the best home-grown players among the 10 clubs which will be participating this season. The clubs are now looking to strengthen their squads with the best foreign talents which will help them mount a serious challenge and while the ISL clubs are making all the headlines, some of the I-League giants are also making big signings to keep the spotlight on them.

Also Read: Kerala Blasters sign defender Wes Brown for ISL 4

Kerala Blasters are making their presence felt yet again. After signing the Indian Super League poster boy Iain Hume, the club from 'God's own country' have got former Manchester United defender Wes Brown. According to rumours, the club is also close to signing former United and Tottenham Hotspur striker Dimitar Berbatov as well. 

Here's our new signing @WesBrown24 talking ahead of his move! He's excited, are you?#KBFC #YellowMeinKhelo #NammudeSwantham #BlastersFamily pic.twitter.com/h9hovMOOxE

— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) August 15, 2017

 

Defending Champions of the ISL, ATK made arguably the biggest coup of the transfer window by signing Republic of Ireland striker and former captain Robbie Keane to spearhead their attack next season, proving their strength even after parting with Atletico Madrid a few months back. They also signed another striker, Portuguese Jose Egas as it seems like some exciting attacking threat can be expected from Teddy Sheringham's side next season.

New-Comers to the ISL, Bengaluru FC are also building up quite the formidable squad for the upcoming season as they signed former Getafe striker Braulio Nobrega to strengthen their front line. They also signed two promising Indian midfielders in Bidyananda and Robinson Singh, who has a lot of experience under their belt having already played for big Indian clubs in ATK and Mohun Bagan respectively.

Also Read: Braulio Nobrega, a convicted sex offender at Bengaluru FC. Right for Indian football?

Delhi Dynamos are also making what seems to be a formidable team as they are doing quick work on their signings and have snapped up several foreigners already. They signed up two South American midfielders in Brazilian defensive midfielder Paulinho Dias and Uruguayan midfielder Matias Mirabaje. The Dynamos also bolstered their attacking options by signing Argentine striker Juan Leandro Vogliotti from Bolivian club Sport Boys, where he scored 21 goals from 36 appearances. They signed up yet another South American player in experienced Venezuelan defender Gabriel Alejandro Cichero and it seems South American players are the deal for the Dynamos this season.

Former Champions of the ISL, Chennaiyin FC, also made a promising acquisition by signing up Slovenian playmaker Rene Mihelic for a free transfer to bolster their own attacking options this season. FC Goa signed up Moroccan midfielder Ahmed Jahouh on a one-year loan deal from Moroccan club FUS Rabat as they look to bring some strength in their midfield. The Gaurs have also signed Sergio Juste Marin, former Barcelona B captain. 

Meanwhile, in the I-League, Mohun Bagan look keen on making a statement as they have made some good signings so far in the transfer window. The Mariners announced the signings of midfielder Ansumana Kromah and striker Bayi Kamo, who had amazing seasons for Churchill Brothers and Aizawl FC respectively last season. They also signed up former Shillong Lajong midfielder Yuta Kinowaki to fill up their Asian quote as the Mariners are looking ahead to life without the likes of Katsumi Yusa. Sony Norde, too, is set to make a comeback to the side, as reported.

Also Read: Mohun Bagan full squad for CFL 2017-18

Defending Champions of the I-League Aizawl FC may have lost several key players and their incredible coach Khalid Jamil, but they are also slowly rebuilding themselves into a powerful unit. After announcing their new coach in Portuguese Paulo Menezes for the next season, they also signed up promising defender Lalrozama Fanai, who has played for Bengaluru FC in the past as the defending I-League champions will look to add much more before the season kicks off.

With skills to thrill & pace to sizzle, here's a glimpse of what @FCJamshedpur fans can expect from @SDoutie! #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/mMB7NVxB6G

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) August 8, 2017

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Mohammedan Sporting have made 31 signings so far, as reported by Khel Now already. After picking up some big names in the draft, Jamshedpur FC have signed former ATK defender and winger Tiri and Sameegh Doutie respectively. The club has also signed former Delhi Dynamos' midfield enforcer Emerson Gomes, better known as Memo. City rivals Mohun Bagan have also signed Surchandra Singh and Souvik Das, midfielders who last played for Churchill Brothers and Minerva Punjab respectively. The club is also in contact with Penang FA's Diogo Alexandre Alves Ferreira, a defensive midfielder. 

NorthEast United have made no foreign signings so far, and they look pretty off-pace, to be honest. The Highlanders should try to settle the signings as soon as possible, which will help the players to gel in soon. Every other club has looked busy in the transfer market which will see Indian football develop to new highs next season.