The Indian Super League (ISL) comes with notable additions this season and the glamour is certainly much more than before. The league has helped some amazing homegrown talents to make a name for themselves over the years, but the charisma of the league largely depends on the foreign players. Most of the teams have been proactive in the transfer market and have managed to add some stellar names to their team list, while others were focussed on balancing their squads. Here is a list of the top three unexpected transfers of this season:-
1. Asamoah Gyan – NorthEast United FC:-
Asamoah Gyan is, without doubt, one of the biggest signings of the ISL 2019. Gyan has represented Ghana in three World Cups and has played in top leagues like Serie A, La Liga, and Premier League. The 33-year-old still has the capability to outshine defenders in the ISL and his experience alone can be pivotal for the Guwahati based club. The former African Footballer of the Year is undoubtedly the biggest attraction of this edition of the ISL and all eyes from across India will be on him when he features for NorthEast United FC.
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2. Roy Krishna – Atletico De Kolkata:-
Fiji born Roy Krishna is slated to be one of the most exciting players to feature in the current season of the Indian Super League. The 32-year-old represented Fiji in the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil and even scored in a Group C match against Mexico.
Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) struggled to put away chances and managed to score just 18 goals in as many games last season. The Fijian is deadly in front of the goal and could prove to be the man who could help ATK win their third title. Krishna is coming to Indian shores after winning the Golden Boot as well as the Player of the Season with A-League side Wellington Phoenix.
3. Raphael Augusto – Bengaluru FC:-
Raphael Augusto is the signing to look out for this ISL season. The Brazilian’s move from Chennaiyin FC to Bengaluru FC has attracted plenty of attention. The 28-year-old, who joined Chennaiyin in 2015 has been an integral part of the team since, helping them win the league twice, in 2015 and then in 2017-2018. The 2018-2019 season turned out to be a disappointing one for Chennaiyin and Augusto, but the Brazilian will undoubtedly leave Chennaiyin as a club legend, having contributed heavily to their success over the years.
The Blues’ latest addition will only go on to strengthen an already solid midfield that comprises of Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado and Eugeneson Lyngdoh. The Brazillian’s biggest strengths are the energy and creativity he offers in the middle of the park, two traits that have thoroughly established him as one of the most coveted midfielders in the league. Augusto is expected to seamlessly fit into Carles Cuadrat’s system, which incorporates quick passing enabled counter attacks. The 28-year-old will also be the first Brazilian to put on the Bengaluru FC shirt since the club’s inception.
