ISL Weekly Transfer Updates: East Bengal enter market, foreign signings galore and more

With East Bengal FC’s imminent addition to the Indian Super League (ISL) being confirmed this week, the transfer rumours have heated up and that is why instead of Friday, we bring this week’s round-up on Sunday.

Here’s what happened over the last 10 days or so:

# East Bengal, East Bengal and East Bengal

This last week saw one of the biggest transfers of Indian football in recent times. Indeed, we are talking about East Bengal’s impending transfer from the I-League to the ISL. Having sold a majority hold of the club to Indian cement manufacturing company, Shree Cement, the Red and Golds are all set to enter the country’s top flight this season.

And as soon as the league rolled out bid tenders on Friday — inviting bids from six cities, including Kolkata — the rumour mills started doing their work.

ISL 2020-21 is set to feature East Bengal

By the end of the day, East Bengal was being linked with Sandesh Jhingan, the most high-profile Indian player available as a free agent on the market, Jeje Lalpekhlua, Anas Edathodika, and a couple of more names.

However, a more pertinent issue for the Kolkata giants right now would be the appointment of a coach with proven pedigree. The Bridge understands that numerous profiles of famous coaches and/or famous player-turned-coaches have made their way to East Bengal’s newly-formed management. Two of them are said to be ahead in the race, the club should finalise within the next week.

# Week of Foreign signings

Apart from East Bengal, another trend of the week was clubs announcing the arrivals of foreign players. FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters FC and Odisha FC all confirmed new signings. Goa roped in former Atletico Madrid midfielder Alberto Noguera while Hyderabad announced Joao Victor and Joel Chianese’s arrivals.

Odisha FC also announced two new foreign arrivals in Brazilian recruits Diego Maurício and Marcelinho Leite. Both the signings are expected to slot into the first XI and provide some much needed experience.

Adam Le Fondre (Source: FoxSports Asia)

Apart from the official announcements, it is understood that Mumbai City FC have completed the signing Adam Le Fondre who just won the A-League title with Sydney FC. It’s also learnt that Fredrico Gallego has signed a new contract extension with NorthEast United FC.

Meanwhile, Chennaiyin FC appointed Csaba Lsazlo as their new head coach to replace Owen Coyle who joined Jamshedpur earlier in the summer.

# Domestic arrivals

In a week that had an overdose of foreign arrivals and then, had East Bengal making the headlines with a positive news after a long, long while, domestic signings were slightly subdued.

Nonetheless, a few smaller but significant signings/contract extensions were announced over the last one week. It is learnt that Kerala Blasters goalkeeper TP Rehenesh is set to complete a move to Jamshedpur FC. The Red Miners also announced the signing of defender Chinglensana Singh who was with FC Goa last season.

NorthEast United completed a major domestic signing in experienced right back Ashutosh Mehta who helped Mohun Bagan lift the I-League title last season.

Also read: Ex-Mohun Bagan defender Ashutosh Mehta signs for NorthEast United FC