Top 10 Indian footballers who moved clubs in this transfer window

Some of these players switched clubs for record transfer fees.

The summer of 2021 was undoubtedly among the busiest transfer windows across the globe. And things in Indian football were no different either. A lot of new signings took place and several Indian players moved clubs over the course of the summer transfer window.

This window had it all. Starting from a few big-money moves, unexpected free transfers and a lot of drama. It was a perfect never-say-never scenario over the last three months in the world of football.

With the transfer window now officially closed, Khel Now takes a look at the top 10 Indian footballers who have moved clubs this transfer window:

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10. Amarjit Singh Kiyam – SC East Bengal

Amarjit belongs to the group of starlets who featured in India’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. He was the captain of India’s U-17 team that took part in the mega event. The young playmaker joined Jamshedpur FC in 2018, but spent the season at Indian Arrows. He finally joined the Men of Steel late in the 2019-20 season, as he was sidelined with an injury.

Lack of game-time meant that he needed a change in scenery. Amarjit moved to FC Goa after mutually terminating his contract with Jamshedpur FC in the winter transfer window. After two outings in the ISL and four in the AFC Champions League for the Gaurs, the midfielder has switched sides to SC East Bengal on loan.

9. Ashutosh Mehta – ATK Mohun Bagan

Ashutosh Mehta secured a move to ATK Mohun Bagan this summer. After a season away from the Indian top flight, Ashutosh returned to the ISL for NorthEast United ahead of the 2020-21 season.

The versatile full-back had a great outing for the Highlanders, as he recorded two assists and a goal. After a breakthrough season, both individually and collectively, Mehta has joined the Mariners on a free transfer.

8. Jackichand Singh – SC East Bengal

Ever since his move from FC Goa, Jackichand has played the role of a journeyman in Indian football. He joined Jamshedpur FC last season before securing a move away to Mumbai City in January. This summer, the winger has signed for SC East Bengal on loan from the Islanders. Last campaign, he assisted three goals at Jamshedpur, but couldn’t replicate the same at Mumbai.

Lack of game-time with the Islanders meant Jackichand was once again on the move, this time to the Red and Gold for his second stint. Singh can be a huge asset for East Bengal.

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7. Bidyashagar Singh – Bengaluru FC

After a quantum leap season, Bidyashagar caught the eye of many ISL clubs. He was the top scorer in the I-League last season and was named the Hero of the League, while also winning the Golden Boot. Singh netted 12 goals for TRAU FC and helped his team finish third in the points table.

A lot of clubs were chasing his signature, but Bengaluru FC confirmed his signing on a three-year deal, as they look to make a comeback after a disappointing season.

6. Harmanjot Khabra – Kerala Blasters

After four seasons with Bengaluru FC in the ISL, Harmanjot Khabra has moved to arch-rivals Kerala Blasters. Khabra is a proven winner and has won the Indian Super League with both Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC. Apart from his winning mentality, Khabra also brings much-needed experience to the Blasters’ squad.

Last season, Khabra provided three assists for the Blues and was a mainstay in their starting XI. His signing could bring a much-needed change in the Kerala Blasters' setup, with his versatility and experience a key factor.

5. Ninthoinganba Meetei – Chennaiyin FC

Ninthoi, a winger by trade is considered to be one of India’s most talented youngsters. He was a part of the highly coveted U-17 FIFA World Cup squad that was held in India. The winger also won the Most Valuable Player award in the 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship. He joined NorthEast United in 2019 from Indian Arrows, but couldn’t make much of an impact in the last two seasons.

Chennaiyin FC made a last-minute attempt to rope in the wonderkid from NorthEast United on deadline day. The Marina Machans shelled out an undisclosed transfer fee to seal the deal, as exclusively reported by Khel Now.

4. Ishan Pandita – Jamshedpur FC

Ishan moved to FC Goa last season after spending more than six years in Spain’s football ecosystem. He made his ISL debut for Goa against NorthEast United last season. He scored four goals in 11 matches, all of them as a substitute and announced his arrival.

But, a lack of game-time meant that Ishan decided to move and joined fellow ISL outfit Jamshedpur FC. The Men of Steel paid Rs 60 lakhs in transfer fees to FC Goa in order to acquire the 23-year-old Indian international.

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3. Liston Colaco - ATK Mohun Bagan

The Goan forward ranks third on this list for his big-money move to ATK Mohun Bagan. Liston found his form after joining Hyderabad FC from FC Goa in 2020. He took everyone by surprise with his trickery, pace and goalscoring abilities. Liston netted four goals and provided three assists over the course of two seasons for the Nizams.

After the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, ATK Mohun Bagan came calling. The Mariners roped in the young forward on a two-year deal for a record transfer fee. Liston has already set his standards high ahead of the season. He scored a goal for the Mariners in their AFC Cup win against Maziya S&RC.

2. Amrinder Singh – ATK Mohun Bagan

Amrinder Singh’s free transfer from Mumbai City to ATK Mohun Bagan has to go down as one of most high-profile transfers in Indian football. The shot-stopper signed a five-year deal with the Mariners in January, as exclusively reported by Khel Now. Amrinder moves to ATKMB after winning the ISL title with Mumbai City. He also won the Golden Glove in 2016.

He finished his final season with a mind-blowing save percentage of 74.39 % for the Islanders. Singh is one of India’s leading goalkeepers and is well-known for his quick reflexes.

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1. Lalengmawia Ralte – Mumbai City

Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) joined reigning ISL champions Mumbai City. The reigning champions signed him on a record-breaking transfer fee for an Indian player from NorthEast United. Although the Highlanders were reluctant to let go of their wonderkid, an undeniable offer from Mumbai changed their mind. "Apuia" made a record move to the Islanders, as exclusively reported by Khel Now earlier.

At NorthEast, "Apuia" became the center of attraction for his mature and composed gameplay. He won the Emerging Player of the Season award last season and was also named the FPAI Young Player of the Year 2020-21.

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