As the eighth edition of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) gets closer, the teams are totally focussed on signing new contracts with new players. Bengaluru FC has inked three important domestic signings of midfielder Jayesh Rane, strikers Danish Farooq and Bidyashagar Singh. Rane has played for ATK Mohun Bagan last season, while Farooq and Bidyashagar have been acquired from the Hero I-League.
Hyderabad FC are also busy in bringing new talents as they have signed experienced Hero ISL defender Juanan, striker Aniket Jadhav, defender Nim Dorjee and goalkeeper Gurmeet Singh. Juanan was the member of Bengaluru FC in 2020-21; while Jadhav played for Jamshedpur FC. Dorjee and Gurmeet have represented NorthEast United FC in their career so far.
Apart from these vital signings, last season’s topscorer for the Telangana-based team with 10 goals, Aridane Santana, Lluis Sastre, Fran Sandaza, Roland Alberg and Lalawmpuia Ralte have left the club.
Chennaiyin FC, who have been the winners twice, are trying to boost their attack as they have signed Kyrgyzstan striker Mirlan Murzaev and Jobby Justin. Justin has played for ATK FC in 2019-20, though he missed the entire 2020-21 season through injury.
Odisha FC, who were at the bottom of the table in the last season, surely wants to shed away their past performance as they have also made two massive signings in attacking midfielder Javi Hernandez and defender Victor Mongil. Both players have been part of ATK FC’s title-winning campaign in 2019-20. The club has also announced their new head coach Francisco “Kiko” Ramirez Gonzalez as well as assistant coach Joaquin “Kino” Garcia Sanchez.
Kerala Blasters FC, another team that had an forgettable campaign in 2020-21, have brought in defender Enes Sipovic, who was the part of Chennai camp last season, and midfielder Adrian Luna, who played for A-League side Melbourne City last season.
Defending champions Mumbai City FC, have however, come up with a massive purchase as they have signed Igor Angulo, who was the Golden Boot Winner with FC Goa. The Spanish international scored 14 goals in the Gaurs’ sixth Hero ISL semi-final appearance.
Last season’s finalists ATK Mohun Bagan have not signed any player so far but have extended the contract of star forward Roy Krishna, Hero of the League in 2020-21. FC Goa also have extended the contract of Sanson Pereira until 2024.
