The ISL salary cap is now undergoing a significant change, with the previous limit of ₹16.5 crore set to be reworked. Although the cap remains active in terms of the wages that players receive, the barriers to a significant signing-on fee have now been removed, making it possible for clubs to spend more to acquire players.
The information comes from Marcus Mergulhao of TOI, with clubs now being able to lure players with a hefty joining bonus to help them stay below the ISL salary cap limit.
ISL salary cap revised: Clubs now encouraged to spend more with latest regulations
Whether the previous regulation of marquee players being exempt from the salary cap remains is up for debate as no official statement has arrived from the league yet.
However, clubs like Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC have exercised their spending power by acquiring several top players within the same transfer window. The Mariners have signed Sahal Samad, Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Jason Cummings and Armando Sadiku in the same transfer window, while Mumbai have added Yoennof Van Nieff, Akash Mishra and Nasser Al Khayati to bolster their attack while signing Tiri on a free transfer.
Fans previously debated that the salary cap would prevent the development of Indian attackers. And with clubs having lesser limits to spend to improve their attack, the development of local players at the top level could take another hit if foreigners are heavily recruited.
