ISL: Top 10 high-profile free agents in transfer market

The list comprises of some rather big names who are yet to sign a contract with any of the franchises.

The coronavirus pandemic has affected the finances of clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is bound to have an impact on their spending capacity in the transfer market. Accordingly, a number of players are now out of contract with uncertainty in negotiations, which has led them to become free agents in the market.

Listed below are some free agents in the market as they look forward to offers from ISL clubs-

10.  Jerry Lalrinzuala

Jerry Lalrinzuala was a key presence in the backline for Chennaiyin FC last season. The left-back provided attacking impetus from the wider areas, but was also vigilant when it came to his defensive duties. He provided two assists, which highlight his effectiveness in the attacking half as well.

Furthermore, the 21-year-old displayed commendable maturity and level-headedness in his performances. The youngster is out of contract currently, but there won’t be a lack of potential suitors if he decides to leave the Marina Machans.

9. Modou Sougou

Modou Sougou joined Mumbai City FC ahead of the 2018-19 season and made an instant impact, as he registered 12 goals in his first campaign. His crucial attacking output helped the Islanders make it to the playoffs for only the second time in their history. However, he couldn’t replicate those numbers in the following term, as he was shifted wide with Amine Chermiti leading the line.

Thus, he managed to muster only three goals and two assists last season. Despite playing in an unfavourable wider role, his work-rate was always laudable. If his goalscoring exploits in the first season are anything to go by, he would be a useful signing for sides searching for a constant attacking threat in advanced areas.  

8. Manuel Onwu

https://youtu.be/D-DZmnM1pLo

Manuel Onwu had signed for Bengaluru FC at the start of the 2019-20 season. However, his initial performances left a lot to be desired and thus he was shipped out on loan to Odisha FC.

Surprisingly, the Spaniard found his missing goalscoring boots at his new club, as he finished the season with an impressive tally of seven goals and two assists in 10 matches. Despite a torrid start to life in the ISL, the forward proved that he could be a real asset in the right system and would definitely be worth a punt in the current market.

7.  Sandesh Jhingan

Sandesh Jhingan is a man in demand after he mutually parted ways with Kerala Blasters, ending his six-year stay at the club. Since his departure, a host of clubs have shown interest in the central defender, but he is yet to make a decision on his future.

The defender made 76 appearances for the Blasters, but an ACL injury saw him miss the entirety of last season. The defensive linchpin would be a great signing for a number of clubs, though it will be fascinating to observe what impact his latest injury has on his performances.  

6.  Jeje Lalpekhlua

Like his compatriot, Jeje Lalpekhlua has also had his fair share of injury troubles. He did not feature in a single game last season, as he had to undergo surgery on a knee injury. The 'Mizo Sniper' is an experienced campaigner and has 23 goals to his name across five seasons in the ISL.

He also led Chennaiyin to two ISL triumphs and has been part of the franchise since the inaugural campaign. The striker brings with him a wealth of experience and potency in the final third, which will massively benefit the club that ends up securing his signature.

5.  Raphael Messi Bouli

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hP5YkinGTk

Kerala Blasters signed Raphael Messi Bouli prior to the start of last season. His signing created a bit of fanfare with his middle name, especially catching the eye of fans as well as neutrals. The Cameroonian forward matched those early expectations with a fantastic debut campaign having scored eight goals and provided one assist.

However, the Blasters endured another disappointing term, as they finished seventh and subsequently parted ways with head coach Eelco Schattorie. With Kerala facing financial difficulties since the last couple of months, the future remains uncertain for the 28-year-old.

4. Rafael Crivellaro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EdqLMf8WUQ

Rafael Crivellaro played an important role in Chennaiyin’s resurgence and thrilling run to the final last season. The playmaker ran the show in midfield, as he registered seven goals and eight assists across 20 matches, highlighting his importance in attack.

The Brazilian also worked tremendously hard defensively and always tried his best to drop deep to help his teammates. However, Crivellaro is currently out of contract and could be on the move if some reports are to be believed.

3. Nerijus Valskis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGH-dwPTw28

Along with Crivellaro, his partner in crime, Nerijus Valskis also wreaked havoc up the field with his goals proving to be pivotal in Chennaiyin’s remarkable campaign. The marksman was lethal and picked up the Golden Boot after notching 15 goals and six assists.

He had the same number of goals as Roy Krishna and Bartholomew Ogbeche, but was given the award as he had more assists than the other two. Alike the Brazilian, Valskis too is one of the top free agents and there must be a fair number of ISL teams keenly monitoring his situation.

2. Marcelinho

Marcelinho has been part of the ISL since the third edition. During his time in India, the Brazilian has kept producing the goods for every franchise he has represented. He has amassed 31 goals and 18 assists over four seasons and had also won the Golden Boot in 2016. Last campaign, he was one of the few positives from Hyderabad FC’s dismal debut outing in the ISL.

The forward found the back of the net on seven occasions and provided two assists. But, his healthy attacking contributions couldn’t prevent his club from finishing bottom of the table, with a mere 10 points and two wins on the board. However, the talisman is out of contract, with the franchise even reportedly facing financial troubles in the summer. Nevertheless, his technical prowess and proven goalscoring record would make him an instant hit at any other ISL club.

1. Ferran Corominas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwIpmgHv0oE&t=4s

Ferran Corominas has been one of the top performers in the Indian Super League ever since his arrival in 2017. The Spaniard has won the Golden Boot twice, scoring 48 goals and racking up 16 assists across 57 games in the league. The attacker’s prolific display helped FC Goa clinch a spot in the group stage of the AFC Champions League, as they finished atop the league table in the previous campaign.

However, the star forward is yet to extend his contract at the ISL club with an offer on his table proving to be unsatisfactory. This could possibly open the door for a move away, though he hasn’t yet received an offer from any other ISL team. The 38-year-old would be a quality addition to any side and would certainly enhance every frontline in the league with his silky link-up play and precise finishing skills.