ISL Weekly Transfer Updates: Kolkata giants making right noises and more

North East United FC get a couple of new foreign recruits on board

After a relatively quiet few months in the transfer window, the Highlanders sprang into life earlier this week with the signings of Mauritania international midfielder Khassa Camara and Portuguese winger Luis Machado. The 27-year-old Camara became Head Coach Gerard Nus’ first foreign capture and joined the club after four seasons at Greek club Xanthi FC. He was soon joined by the 27-year-old Machado, who plied his trade for Moreirense FC in the Portuguese top tier last season with a goal and three assists to show for his efforts. The duo should bolster NEUFC’s midfield and attack respectively as they look to improve on their 9th placed finish last term.

FC Goa start their squad rebuild under new Head Coach Juan Ferrando

Following on from a revamped coaching staff and after a number of high-profile departures in the summer, FC Goa will be looking to assemble a competitive squad ahead of the new Indian Super League (ISL) season. Having already bagged the signatures of Igor Angulo and Alberto Noguera, the Gaurs have since added Australian defender James Donachie to their ranks for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old has joined on a one-year loan deal from A-League outfit Newcastle Jets and arrives in India having won the A-League title twice with Brisbane Roar. The team, which is set to feature in the AFC Champions League next season, has also reportedly agreed terms with 22-year-old striker Ishan Pandita after the youngster’s 4-year stint in Spain. The highly-rated attacker joins the side from Spanish club Lorca FC with the squad looking to build on a fairly promising 2019-20 season where they finished as league stage winners.

Kolkata giants making the right noises and Kerala sign former La Liga regular

The two legacy clubs from Kolkata, East Bengal and ATK Mohun Bagan have started their preparations for the new season with renewed hope and positivity. The Red and Golds have just been confirmed as the newest entrants in the ISL and reports suggest that a deal for India forward Jeje Lalpekhlua is close to being completed. The club management is also on the lookout for a new head coach and a decision in that regard is imminent with names like Robbie Fowler, Eusebio Sacristan and Jose Pekerman in the fray. On the other hand, ATK Mohun Bagan have assembled an envious ensemble of quality players, both domestic and foreign, with the cherry on top being the announcement of Sandesh Jhingan’s signing earlier this week. The India defender has committed his future to the club after much speculation throughout the summer and will be looking to consolidate his position as the best defender in the country at present with a league title with his new club.

Kerala Blasters have also bolstered their midfield through the signing of former Las Palmas and Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Vicente Gomez. The 32-year-old Spaniard joins the tuskers with an impressive European CV and should be one of the mainstays in the team under Coach Kibu Vicuna. This is only going to be the Spaniard’s third professional club and after long spells at each of the previous ones, which should be indicative of his undoubted quality.