WITH THE I-LEAGUE to kick-off in the next 3 weeks, many I-League clubs are are doing a bit of Christmas shopping for themselves to strengthen their roster.
Some clubs in particular are especially busy in the market, and indications are, these are the clubs that will emerge as the biggest challengers to defending champions Mohun Bagan in the race to claim the highest league title in Indian football.
According to a report published in Times of India, Bengaluru FC, the club that lost the league in the last few minutes of a thriller on the last day of the season, is looking to strengthen its goalkeeping strength by signing ATK keeper Amrinder Singh. Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, who played for Delhi Dynamos in the ISL, has also been called for a fitness trial by the current holders of the Federation Cup.
Meanwhile, Salgaocar FC are trying to make this season a special one. Their fans are already excited with the club slated to return to its old home ground, The Tilak Maidan, after spending the last couple of season at Fatorda when Tilak was closed for renovations. The club has picked up Gabriel Fernandes and Manandeep Singh already.
DKS Shivajians, the new entrants from Pune, are picking up the pieces left after Pune FC and Bharat FC decided to fold their first teams. They are trying to sign Anas Edathodika and Arata Izumi from Pune FC. Subrata Paul might join them too.
Dharmaraj Ravanan and Arindam Bhattacharya, who plied their trade in the short-lived Bharat FC last season, have been picked up by Sporting Clube de Goa. Their quest to re-sign Sandesh Jhingan may not come around as the now injured Kerala Blasters star may be looking for a stint abroad.