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The new season of Indian Super League starts on November 17th and in stark contrast to the earlier editions, the number of participant teams have increased to 10 this time out.
The winner of the popular franchise league will be awarded a spot on the continental stage in the form of an AFC Cup qualification. All ten teams have been busy adding to their respective squads, with due consideration and thought given to the extended schedule of the 2017-18 season before roping in players.
Having spent more than ?150 crores in the transfer window that ended earlier this month, ISL clubs are now ready for the battle that starts in exactly two months today. With the help of data sourced from the Times of India, we tabulate the five most expensive players in the ISL this season, and there are quite a few surprise names on this list.
#5 Bruno Pinheiro - ?1.9 crores
FC Goa bolstered their squad with the addition of Bruno Pinheiro, who previously plied his trade for the club in the inaugural edition of the ISL.
Pinheiro is a Portuguese footballer who has spent the majority of his career playing in the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football. The 30-year-old versatile defender had a decent season at the heart of the Gaurs defence in 2014. Having played for them in 14 matches, Bruno had incredible stats with the team as he made 50 interceptions and 47 clearances.
The inclusion of this former Portugal U-21 international will strengthen the centre of the 2015 runners-up and is seemingly well worth the money he is on.
#4 Achille Emaná - ?1.93 crores
Mumbai City FC added some attacking vigor to their midfield with the signing of the 35-year-old Cameroonian attacking midfielder, Achille Emana.
An international since 2003, Emana has made over 40 appearances for the Indomitable Lions, scoring six goals in his country's colours.
Emana has also featured for the likes French top-flight club Toulouse and La Liga outfit Real Betis in a long and storied career.
The experience Emana earned from playing in the top tiers of Europe will sure strengthen the attack of Mumbai City FC. The Alexandre Guimares-coached side will rely much on this attacking midfielder, as his experience would be vital for them to continue from where they left last season: the semifinals.
#3 Dimitar Berbatov - ?2.31 crores
Berbatov is one of the best centre-forwards Manchester United have ever had. The biggest signing of the 2017-18 ISL, Berbatov has become the third most expensive player of the season with his salary being ?2.31 crores.
The experienced Bulgarian will reunite with his former United teammate Wes Brown and coach Rene Muelensteen at Kerala Blasters, bringing some Old Trafford flavour to the Blasters' party.
United aside, Berbatov also comes with the experience of having played for big clubs like AS Monaco, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayer Leverkusen. The 36-year-old has featured in more than 500 games during his career and scored more than 200 goals. The former Premier League Golden Boot winner will be the trump card for Kerala Blasters this season.
#2 Robbie Keane - ?2.58 crores
The ex-Irish International, Robbie Keane, will ply his trade for the defending ISL champions ATK next season. Keane is the all-time top scorer for the Republic of Ireland in international football and ATK have made him the second most expensive player of ISL 2017-18.
The 35-year-old, who had his latest stint at MLS club LA Galaxy, will strive to defend ATK's title next season. Keane has featured for the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur in an illustrious career and the experience he brings in will be immense to ATK's chances of retaining their title.
Sources earlier reported that both Berbatov and Keane would be earning more than what they will actually do, but the extended ISL season this time around has meant that clubs have been prudent in their transfer dealings.
#1 Miku - ?3.22 crores
The 32-year-old Venezuelan is the highest paid player of Indian Super League 2017-18.
Having recently played for Real Vallecano, Miku will be the main man up top for Bengaluru FC, who will be making their first foray into the ISL. Apart from Rayo, Miku has also featured for a host of top-flight clubs like Getafe, Valencia, and Celtic which makes him a big signing for Alberto Roca's men.
The striker, who has made more than 100 appearances La Liga, will be a key presence alongside Indian captain Sunil Chhetri in BFC's attack and given his pedigree and goalscoring exploits of the past, it seems the Blues have put the money in just the right place.
