Despite the current season still ongoing, transfer deals are already being made as ISL clubs begin preparation for the new campaign straightway. The teams are already finalizing deals two months before the transfer window opens. After Mohammedan SC’s promotion to the top flight, the 2024/25 season will be the biggest of all with a total of 13 clubs participating. Additionally, the Super Cup will stretch over a season and will not finish within a month. Four clubs will compete at the continental level as well. So to manage probably the most intense season ever clubs are leaving no stone unturned to build a strong and competitive squad.
Here are the transfers completed by ISL teams for the 2024/25 season:
Chennaiyin FC
IN: PC Laldinpuia
OUT: Bijay Chhetri (on loan), Debjit Majumder
Chennaiyin FC are among the frontrunners to secure players’ signatures early. The deal that Marina Machans has put pen to paper is of PC Laldinpuia from Jamshedpur FC. One of the top-performing defenders in the league this season, his addition will add a quality Indian player with experience in Chennaiyin's backline. Along with him, Owen Coyle’s side has agreed terms with East Bengal’s Mandar Rao Dessai while they are also eyeing another Jamshedpur player Daniel Chima to bolster their frontline as well. A trio of current Mohun Bagan players namely Glan Martins, Kiyan Nassiri and Lalrinliana Hnmate are on the radar. The major exit from the club has been goalkeeper Debjit Majumder who rejoins East Bengal next season. However, the exciting story has been of youngster Bijay Chhetri’s loan move to Uruguay Segunda División club Colón making him one of the latest Indian players to try their luck abroad.
NorthEast United
OUT: Romain Philippoteaux (Retired), Joe Zoherliana, Roccharzela
There have been more outgoings for NorthEast United in this early stage. After two seasons with the Highlanders, Romain Philippoteaux has called time on his career. Both Joe Zoherliana and Roccharzela received less game time this campaign after dropping from the pecking order under Juan Pedro Benali. The pair have decided to join the I-league winners Mohammedan SC who will play their maiden ISL season.
East Bengal
IN: Madih Talal, Debjit Majumder, Mark Zothanpuia, David Lalhlansanga, Provat Lakra
Among the busiest clubs has been Super Cup winners East Bengal hoping to construct a squad capable of battling through the qualifiers to reach the AFC Champions League 2 group stage. The significant move made by the club has been acquiring Madih Talal for the new season from Punjab FC. The French playmaker was instrumental in the Shers finishing eighth on the table just three points away from the playoff spot. He contributed to 16 goals with six goals and 10 assists in 21 ISL matches including his best performance of the season with a goal and two assists in the final league game against East Bengal themselves. Goalkeeper Debjit Majumder has also returned to the club he left to join Chennaiyin FC in 2021. The Red and Gold have also reportedly secured the services of CFL and Durand Cup Golden Boot winner David Lalhlansanga. Mark Zothanpuia and Provat Lakra are also said to have joined the club.
Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant won the long-awaited ISL Shield and qualified for the AFC Champions League 2 group stage directly. Wanting to build another star-studded squad to do well in the continental competition this time, the Mariners have begun preparation but no new names have surfaced so far. Mohun Bagan wishes to add up more to the foreign contingent with the AFC rule allowing as many overseas players to be included in the starting eleven from the new season. However, the focus is always there to include quality Indian players with the club keeping tabs on 20-year-old Jamshedpur FC forward Mohammed Sanan. The Green and Maroons are also looking to offload players with Kiyan Nassiri, Lalrinliana Hnmate and Hugo Boumous rumored to leave the club.
