With the Indian football season now over, the attention has shifted to next season's new-look Indian Super League (ISL). The introduction of two new teams to the roster of ISL teams will no doubt ramp up the interest level in the popular franchise league, but before things get underway for real in ISL 2017, off-the-pitch business becomes the priority.
Most of the established ISL clubs have already started their recruitment drive for foreigners, as players and their agents have been sounded out by the franchises. The criteria for marquee acquisitions will most likely be relaxed for the upcoming ISL, but that doesn't mean clubs will not splash the cash should a household name become available.
There have been quite a lot of talks regarding which foreign stars clubs will sign for ISL 2017, not least in Europe where big clubs house the most recognisable names in world football. The likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka, Helder Postiga, Diego Forlan and David Trezeguet have already graced the ISL stage in the past, therefore, let's look at five other big-name stars in world football who could be coming down to India for ISL kicks later this year.
#1 Francesco Totti
The AS Roma legend put the curtains on his 28-year association with Il Lupi in May and is available for free after his contract with the Giallorossi ends at the end of this month. Totti has been sounded out by quite a few ISL clubs who have assessed the Italian World Cup winner's status in the game and his pulling power of a genuine star. However, Totti is 40 and will celebrate his 41st birthday before ISL-4 starts, therefore, it remains to be seen which club is ready to take a leap of faith with one of the most popular footballers around and make Totti the oldest outfielder in ISL 2017.
Also Read: World Cup winner Francesco Totti contemplating ISL move as clubs pitch offers
#2 Dirk Kuyt
The Liverpool cult-hero recently announced his retirement from all forms of football after guiding Feyenoord to a long-awaited Eredivisie title win, but the prospect of seeing Kuyt strut his stuff in Indian Super League grounds is very high. According to close sources, Kuyt has been offered to ISL clubs for USD 750,000 and negotiations with various suitors are still in their early stages. With his indefatigable attitude and penchant for scoring goals – he scored a hat-trick in his last game for Feyenoord – Kuyt stands to become one of the most popular ISL stars should he put pen to paper.
Also Read: Liverpool legend Dirk Kuyt set to join ISL club next season
#3 Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Icelandic striker is also nearing his 40s like Kuyt but has once previously signed with an ISL club. Gudjohnsen joined Pune City last season as a marquee player, but an injury sustained in pre-season meant that the veteran of two Premier League title wins couldn’t make his ISL bow in 2016. The Iceland legend is contemplating a return to India later this year, and Pune City have once again shown their interest. It remains to be seen how things develop from here on, but Gudjohnsen’s pedigree and experience of the elite level will certainly help any club who signs the ex-Barcelona star.
Also Read: Former Premier League and Champions League winner Gudjohnsen in talks over ISL move
#4 Robbie Keane
Keane ranked among one of the most prolific strikers in world football in his pomp, but the now 36-year-old has been a free agent ever since he left LA Galaxy in January this year. Keane’s status as one of the premier centre-forwards – he scored 68 international goals for the Republic of Ireland in a career spanning 18 years – has alerted the likes of Kerala Blasters. With Steve Coppell set to keep his place in the Kerala Blasters’ dugout next season, signing the former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool hitman will be akin to a coup for the Yellow Army. Moreover, ISL fans will also catch their Irish hero from close quarters should Keane sign on the dotted lines.
Also Read: Former Tottenham and Liverpool star striker Robbie Keane exploring options to sign for ISL club
#5 Yossi Benayoun
Benayoun’s storied career has taken him to many different clubs in Europe, notably Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea, but the talismanic Israeli could yet have one last career stop in India with the ISL. Benayoun currently plays for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Israeli top flight but will soon become a free agent at the end of this month. As such, the 98-time capped Israeli legend has been offered to various ISL clubs by his agent, as Sportskeeda has exclusively come to learn. With his prowess on the ball and ability to regularly find the net – he is Israel’s second highest goalscorer with 24 strikes – 37-year-old Benayoun comes across as a punt worth taking for ISL clubs. It is yet uncertain which club makes the first call, but letting Benayoun pass will be a big mistake for ISL clubs.
