4 ISL Transfers You Might Have Missed Today
Every club is busy in securing their domestic and overseas signings ahead of the 2022-23 Indian Super League season as a busy Friday awaited us without much knowledge as four different players were announced by the clubs.
ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha have been very busy in the transfer market and typically announced one signing each on Friday while Kerala Blasters who have been busy selling their fringe players to make cash, secured their first overseas signings ahead of a crucial league season. Let’s check out the four signings made by the clubs-
#4 Pedro Martin to Odisha
With domestic signings like Raynier Fernandes and Denechandra Meitei supported by foreign stars like Saul Crespo and Osama Malik, Odisha is building a strong squad under head coach Josep Gambau.
Now, veteran Spanish striker Pedro Martin has signed for the Juggernauts to further strengthen an attack that includes the dangerous Diego Mauricio.
The 30-year old striker came through the Atletico Madrid setup and was part of the squad that won the UEFA Europa League under manager Diego Simeone. Martin’s returns have diminished in front of goal in the last few seasons but Gambau would hope that he hits the ground running after adapting to Indian football.
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Head coach Gambau appreciated Martin’s quality in the final third and the Spaniard is glad about having two different types of strikers in the squad which he can alternate based on the opposition defense.
He said,
“He is a player who will be crucial in contributing to our attack in the final third. Martin in someone who enjoys scoring a lot of goals. We have been monitoring him for the past two seasons and he is a striker who brings a different set of skills to the table compared to how Diego is in the attack. Now, we have two different types of strikers and depending on the opposition, we will have the liberty to choose between both of them.”
#3 Vishal Kaith to ATK Mohun Bagan
Vishal Kaith would be battling Amrinder Singh for the No.1 spot in ATK Mohun Bagan’s goal
ATK Mohun Bagan and Juan Ferrando are making wholesale changes to the Mariners’ squad as Prabir Das, Roy Krishna, and David Williams left the club in the ongoing transfer window.
After securing important domestic signings like Asish Rai and Ashique Kuruniyan, the Mariners have moved fast to sign ‘out of favor’ goalkeeper Vishal Kaith from 2-time ISL champions Chennaiyin.
After spending the initial days of his career at Shillong Lajong, the Himachal Pradesh-born custodian signed up with ISL sides Pune City and Chennaiyin before signing a three-year contract with ATK Mohun Bagan till the end of the 2024-25 ISL season.
#2 Iker Guarrotxena to Goa
Goa has signed versatile forward Iker Guarrotxena after securing the services of star players like Alvaro Vazquez and Arshdeep Singh with an aim to win trophies at the highest level.
After spending multiple seasons in his homeland, the striker moved to Polan, Greece, and Australia before returning to Spain with UD Logrones where he scored a hat-trick and a couple of braces in the recently concluded league season. Now, the forward is set to move to India and represent Goa as head coach Carlos Pena adds another strong player for the squad’s rebuild.
Ravi Puskur, Goa’s director of football praised the versatility and mentality of their new foreign recruit.
He said,
“We were looking to bring in a player who would contribute in creativity and connect the play. He brings a lot of decisive quality in the final 3rd and has a lot of versatility about him, as he can play in multiple positions equally well. His profile fits exactly what the team needed. When we first spoke to him, he transmitted a burning desire and ambition to win trophies and that is precisely the sort of mentality we’re looking to bring into our dressing room.”
The 29-year old has penned a two-year deal with the Gaurs and also talked about how he had offers from other clubs but he chose Goa to win trophies in the upcoming footballing season.
The Spaniard said,
“Except Goa, I had options from clubs from different countries as well as in Spain. When I spoke with Goa, I was very clear that I wanted to join a project where I could win something. I wanted to win a title, a league. And for me, Goa was the best chance of winning something this season.”
#1 Apostolos Giannou to Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters have secured their first overseas signing of the transfer window
Apostolos Ginannou becomes the first overseas signing for the Kerala Blasters ahead of the 2022-23 ISL season as the Australian striker would be replacing the outgoing Alvaro Vazquez. The Spaniard has signed for Goa leaving the doors open for a new striker to partner Jorge Pereyra Dias in the Blasters’ forward line.
The Greece-born Australian striker has played for multiple Greek first division sides such as Apollon Kalamarias, Kavala, PAOK, Ethnikos, Panionios, and Asteris Tripoli contributing to more than 50 goals in over 150 appearances.
With the experience of plying his trade in China, Australia, and Cyprus, the 32-year old has put pen to paper for a 1-year deal that lasts till the end of the 2022-23 ISL season.
Giannou said,
“I’m really excited to be signing for Kerala Blasters. I will put my all for the team to achieve the goals it has for this year.”
The striker was a long-term target for Sporting director Karlois Skinkys and the Lithuanian explained how their latest signing fits into the coach’s plans.He said,
“I’m very happy Apostolos finally joined Kerala Blasters, he was our target for the last two years. He is a hardworking attacker who fits our style of play. I also like him because he is a player who plays for the team. I wish him the best time in Kerala!”