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There hasn’t been too much transfer activity from the I-League clubs this summer with IMG-Reliance being more active in signing Indian players for the upcoming Indian Super League. However there have been some notable Indian signings in the I-League and Sportskeeda lists the top five.
The list is in no particular order
Deepak Mondal (East Bengal)
The Arjuna Awardee has returned to East Bengal for a second spell after nine years. Mandal won almost every domestic major trophy with East Bengal in his first spell and the ASEAN Cup as well. After spells with Mahindra United, Mohun Bagan and United SC, the defender is back with the red-and-gold brigade and his experience will be valuable for Armando Colaco’s side as they target the elusive I-League title. With Naoba Singh leaving the club, Mandal, who was the AIFF player of the year in 2002, is expected to become the regular right back now but his versatility will be useful during the course of the season if any of the centre-backs get injured or serve suspensions.
Eugeneson Lyngdoh (Bengaluru FC)
The former Rangdajied United captain joins the champions after playing a key role in the Shillong club’s survival last season. With Rangdajied not getting the national license to play in the I-League, Bengaluru cashed in on the 27-year-old midfielder. Lyngdoh has his work cut out in finding a place in the starting eleven but his ability to play anywhere in midfield will make the former Shillong Lajong player an important member of Ashley Westwood’s squad. Lyngdoh will be looking to follow the examples of Rino Anto, Beikhokhei Beingaichho, Keegan Pereira, who have all become stars after being signed as unknowns by the JSW-owned club last season.
David Ngaihte (Shillong Lajong)
The Manipuri only made his I-League debut last season for Rangdajied United and played his part in their survival. Just like Lyngdoh, Ngaihte became available once Rangdajied didn’t get the national license and the winger decided to remain in Shillong as he declined other offers to join Lajong. One major reason behind Ngaihte’s decision was the fact that playing for Lajong would keep him available to play in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League. The 24-year-old though will have to be more consistent as he only scored twice last season and both goals came in the same game against Salgaocar. Blessed with great pace, Ngaihte will also provide Thangboi Singto as an additional option upfront.
Lalkamal Bhowmick (Mohun Bagan)
The central midfielder has returned to Mohun Bagan for a second spell after spending four seasons with United Sports Club. In his first spell Lalkamal starred for Mohun Bagan against high-profile opponents like AC Milan youth side and Bayern Munich. But the 27-year-old established himself as one of best midfielders of the country during his stint with United SC, winning the Durand Cup and IFA Shield. Last season he was troubled by injuries and following United SC’s financial problems he decided to re-join Mohun Bagan. Central midfield has been a problem area for the Mariners in recent seasons so Lalkamal will be aiming to be consistent and end the club’s four-year trophy drought.
Gurjinder Kumar (Salgaocar)
After spending four seasons with Pune FC, the left back has reunited with his former coach Derrick Pereira at Salgaocar. Gurjinder was a regular for Pune during his stint there, making close to 100 appearances in all competitions. The 23-year-old developed into one of the best left backs in the country during his time at Pune but wasn’t always first-choice last season under Mike Snoei. The left-back position was a weakness for Salgaocar last season hence Pereira signed Gurjinder and the Punjabi lad will be aiming to play a key role in the Goan club’s campaign. Gurjinder is also capable of playing as a right back or defensive midfielder so his versatility will make him even more valuable at Salgaocar.
