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It’s that time of the year when Indian football takes centre stage once again. After the success of the inaugural edition, the Indian Super League is expected to be bigger and better. This year the quality of the league is expected to improve both on and off the field. Teams have brought in some high-quality players and there have been changes in the corporate structure of the clubs as well. Last season was a competitive campaign and this year, things are expected to be the same. Teams strengthened during the off-season bringing in new foreign and Indian players. The first ever auction took place as well where Indian captain Sunil Chhetri fetched the highest amount. In the off-season, teams set up camps abroad and played friendlies with foreign sides.With just a day left to go before the start of the season, here’s looking at some of the big transfers that took place in the off-season.
#1 Fikru Teferra - Atletico de Kolkata to Chennaiyin FC
Through his goals, his celebrations and his antics off the field, Fikru Teferra became the toast of ISL Season 1. He began his time at Atletico de Kolkata in a perfect manner as he scored in the first two games. But things began to go downhill thereafter.
A lack of form coupled with his team’s bad run eventually culminated in Fikru falling out with Atletico coach Antonio Habas. Things became so bad that there was talk of releasing him midway through the campaign. Further, he wasn’t even part of the matchday squad for the final.
It was all but certain that the Ethiopian striker was not going to be retained by the Sourav Ganguly owned side. As expected he was released and Fikru quickly finalized a deal with Chennaiyin FC.
Post season one of the ISL, Fikru was plying his trade with South African side Bidvest Wits and made a name there. With Chennaiyin taking on Atletico in the first game of season 2, Fikru will be keen to continue his good form and also prove a point to his former employers.
#2 Apoula Edel - Atletico de Kolkata to Chennaiyin FC
The former PSG man had a glowing reputation as a goalkeeper and he lived up to that in the inaugural edition of the ISL. He was surely Atletico’ player of the season. Having not started the first few games, Edel seized the opportunity he got and never let go of it and he was instrumental in winning points for his side on a number of occasions.
His performance in the final will be remembered by Atletico Kolkata fans for a long time to come. He saved two clear goals as the team from Kolkata went on to win the title.
Post the ISL, Edel played for a while for Israeli outfit Hapoel Tel Aviv. He returns to India for the second season, albeit in different colours.
Unlike his teammate Fikru last season, Edel never appeared to have any problems either with Habas or the team management. His departure to Chennaiyin was a surprise. Edel is often regarded by his teammates as an unassuming person who goes about his job in the right manner.
And there is no doubt he will continue to do that for Chennaiyin as well.
#3 Gouramangi Singh - Chennaiyin FC to FC Pune City
Over the years, Gouramangi Singh has cemented his place as a very dependable and efficient defender in Indian football. He played 69 times for the national team and was part of the side that won the Nehru Cup in 2007 and the AFC Challenge Cup in 2008. He was easily one of the most experienced Indian players in the first season of the football extravaganza.
The former Mahindra United player was rock solid at the back for Chennaiyin last season. His experience clearly shone through as the side dominated the others.
Considering his performances and the wealth of experience he brings, it was a surprise that Chennaiyin let him go. Pune, on the other hand, struggled in defence and were quick to wrap up the transfer of the defender from Manipur.
He turned out for Pune side Bharat FC in the I-League last season. But with fears looming large about the club shutting down, Gouramangi will be keen to put in some solid performances for the Hrithik Roshan owned side to attract the attention of some of the I-League clubs and Stephen Constantine as well.
#4 Iain Hume - Kerala Blasters to Atletico de Kolkata
The Canadian was last season’s player of the season as he guided Kerala Blasters to the final of the inaugural season of the Indian Super League. Hume’s contribution was immense. He provided the assists when needed and scored the goals when required. All in all, he was the complete package.
And it was this complete package that Atletico de Kolkata had been missing and the champions quickly moved in and completed the deal for the playmaker. Many believe it was a foolish decision on Kerala Blasters’ part to let the player go. A lasting image among Kerala fans is the free kick from Hume that guided the team to the semi-finals.
Hume brings a wealth of footballing experience into the side. He began his career at Tranmere Rovers and subsequently did well at clubs like Leicester City, Preston and Doncaster before eventually returning to Tranmere. His presence lightened up the league last season and he will be keen to replicate that this time around as well.
With Helder Postiga up front and Hume playing right behind him, Atletico Kolkata fans are in for an exciting season ahead.
#5 Jofre - Atletico de Kolkata to FC Goa
Jofre is another addition to the list of Atletico de Kolkata players who have moved to other teams this season. The La Masia graduate was a key player for Habas’s side right from the start. He played well down the flanks linking up with Fikru and also coordinating well with fellow countryman Borja Fernandez.
The Spaniard is known for his timely runs and also his inch-perfect crosses. He scored for the Kolkata side against Delhi Dynamos, but since that game his performances began to drop.
Towards the end of last season, he was often played up front but the strategy did not yield any results. In spite of not being at his best towards the end of the season, it was a surprise that the Atletico management let him go. Just like Edel, he never appeared to have any problems with the men in charge.
After being released, Jofre signed up with FC Goa and will be keen to show his former employers what they happen to be missing. Goa and Kolkata had a fierce rivalry last season and it will be interesting to see what happens when the sides meet this time around.
