Hugo Boumous’ signing by ATK Mohun Bagan for a world-record transfer fee caused a stir in Indian football, with the sum believed to be the most ever paid for a player. Here are the five most costly signings in the history of the Indian Super League.
1) Hugo Boumous (Mumbai City FC to ATK Mohun Bagan) – INR 2 Cr
Hugo Boumous was bought for a record transfer fee by ATK Mohun Bagan from Mumbai City FC. The sum is said to be in the range of 2 crores. The 25-year-old is one of the most successful foreign players in the ISL, having helped FC Goa and Mumbai win titles in 2019/20 and 2020/21, respectively. His achievements for Goa in 2019/20 were so impressive that he was granted the Golden Ball award after scoring 11 goals in 15 games.
2) Hugo Boumous (FC Goa to Mumbai City FC) – INR 1.5 Cr
The Frenchman is also ranked second on this list, having cost Mumbai City FC 1.5 million dollars to sign him from FC Goa in 2020/21. When Sergio Lobera took over the reins at Mumbai, he was one of many players who joined the club. Boumous had a fantastic season with Mumbai, scoring three goals and playing a major role in the team’s title victory. Given how important he was to the team, it was surprising that they let him leave.
3) Liston Colaco (Hyderabad FC to ATK Mohun Bagan) – INR 1 Cr
Liston Colaco’s achievements for Hyderabad FC impressed ATK Mohun Bagan, who spent one crore rupees to buy the kid in April 2021. The sum remains the highest expensive transfer fee ever paid for a player from India.
4) Michael Soosairaj (Jamshedpur FC to ATK Mohun Bagan) – INR 90 Lakhs
Michael Soosairaj was named the I-League Midfielder of the Year for the 2017/18 season while playing for Chennai City. He then went to Jamshedpur FC, where he was equally impressive. His performances piqued ATK Mohun Bagan’s interest, and he was signed for 90 lakhs for the 2019/20 season.
5) Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem (ATK Mohun Bagan to FC Goa) – INR 85 Lakhs
Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, widely regarded as one of India’s top young players, has played for a variety of ISL clubs throughout his career. He was signed for 85 lakhs by FC Goa from ATK Mohun Bagan, the highest fee ever paid by an Indian goalie. He soon established himself as FC Goa’s number one goalkeeper, and he was outstanding in both the ISL and the AFC Champions League for the team.
Hugo Boumous doesn’t cost $1.5m, never! It’s $201K to be exact! Get your facts right!