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There is still a bit of transfer activity left in the I-League as newly-entered clubs like JSW Bangalore and Mumbai Tigers are yet to complete their squads and the same goes for newly-promoted Rangdajied United. Other I-League clubs too hope to finish a few more deals but the deadlock with IMG-Reliance means that some players will remain without an I-League team for now.
The summer transfer window closes next month so there is still time for plenty of deals to go through. Sportskeeda lists five such possible deals that could be completed in this window.
Sunil Chhetri to JSW
After having a frustrating time at Sporting Lisbon ‘B’, where he hardly got any playing time, the India captain sealed a loan deal to Churchill Brothers in the winter transfer window last season and helped the Goan giants lift their second I-League title with four goals in eight starts. Sunil’s current parent club is still Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ but he is keen on playing in India as he doesn’t want to be sitting on the bench at this stage of his career.
There had been interest from both Churchill Brothers and newly-entered I-League club JSW Sports but it was learnt that Churchill were unable to meet Sunil’s financial demands. Hence JSW is now the favourite to get the 28-year-old’s signature. The star striker is in talks with Sporting Lisbon ‘B’ for a release and once that happens, the former Mohun Bagan and East Bengal player is expected to join Bangalore-based JSW on a two-year deal.
Zakeer Mundampara to Mohun Bagan
After two seasons with Churchill Brothers, 23-year-old Zakeer joined Prayag United in 2012 but illness and injury problems saw him become a bit-part player despite being one of the best passers in Indian football. Due to Prayag United’s financial problems, Zakeer asked for a release and several clubs had shown interest in signing the former India u-23 international.
The former United Kerala player held advanced talks with Mohun Bagan a few weeks back but the move couldn’t be finalised as Prayag United didn’t release him. It has been learnt that Zakeer will eventually get released and thus Pune FC are also interested in signing the central midfielder but are finding it difficult to meet his financial demands. According to sources, Zakeer has an offer from IMG-Reliance also to play in their proposed IPL-style tournament but he is more likely to play in the I-League and Mohun Bagan looks to be the most probable destination.
Biswajit Saha to JSW
After winning the Federation Cup with Salgaocar in a one-year spell, Biswajit returned to Mohun Bagan last season but didn’t have a great campaign as he faced stiff competition at the left back slot from Syed Rahim Nabi and Lalrozama Fanai while the club in general struggled for consistency. Biswajit has been asked to take a paycut if he wants to remain with the green-and-maroon brigade but the player has reportedly rejected the offer and is likely to be released.
Mohun Bagan are set to put a clause that prevents him from joining another Kolkata club and hence Biswajit has held advanced talks with Bangalore-based JSW Sports. The newly-entered club are building a young team and thus Biswajit will be a perfect fit and could in fact become one of the senior players given his previous experience in the top flight. The move should be completed once Mohun Bagan formally releases the 25-year-old left back.
Ranti Martins to Mumbai Tigers
Photo Credit: AIFF Media
The Nigerian finished top scorer last season also despite ending his eight-year association with Dempo and joining the highly ambitious Prayag United. It saw him top the individual goal scoring chart for the third straight campaign and now with Prayag United having financial problems, Ranti is a target of newly-entered I-League club Mumbai Tigers. Although Prayag United director Nabab Bhattacharya is confident that Ranti will understand the situation and remain with the club for another season, it won’t be a surprise to see the star forward prioritise his career and opt to join a club that can guarantee him financial stability.
Mohun Bagan had also shown interest a few weeks back but Ranti is not keen on playing in a team that already has another Nigerian goal machine Odafa Okolie. So if Ranti decides to leave Prayag United, the Dodsal group-owned Mumbai Tigers looks like his only destination in the I-League while a move abroad also can’t be ruled out.
Arindam Bhattacharya to Churchill Brothers
The hero of India’s 2009 SAFF Cup campaign is set to return to his old club Churchill Brothers after a frustrating one-year stint at Mohun Bagan. Arindam had some injury problems last season and got very little game time under Karim Bencherifa in the second half of the campaign. As a result the 24-year-old is seeking a release and should be able to get that once the dues from last season are cleared by the Kolkata giants.
Arindam spent five successful years at Churchill Brothers winning almost every trophy in Indian football like the I-League, Durand Cup and IFA Shield and also the best goalkeeper accolade in 2009. He has reportedly agreed personal terms with Churchill Brothers, who need an experienced custodian following the departures of Sandip Nandy and Felix D’Souza. Arindam also has an offer from IMG-R but he is determined to play in the I-League and thus should sign for the Indian champions soon.
