The Indian Super League (ISL) is India’s budding domestic football tournament that is getting bigger as each season passes. Owners don’t seem to be hesitating in shelling out large sums of money at the cost of winning the title.
Although there are many top players in the league, we take a look at the five highest earners, this season.
1. Gary Hooper (Kerala Blasters) | Salary: ₹9.99 crores
This English striker signed a one-year deal with the Kerala Blasters for a staggering ₹ 9.99 cr, making him the most valuable player in ISL season 7. He began his youth career in Tottenham Hotspur and has represented teams like Celtic and Norwich City in the past. He has a prolific presence upfront and will give the opposition defences a hard time, for sure.
2. Isma (Chennaiyin FC) | Salary: ₹6.66 crores
Esmaël Gonçalves, known as just Isma, moved to Chennaiyin FC on a free transfer after a stint at the Japanese club, Matsumoto Yamaga. He is a strongly built forward who can play as a striker or as a winger. He has represented the top tiers of Scotland, Portugal, France and other Asian countries. He is highly capable of creating goals which is much needed for the South Indian team.
3. Idrissa Sylla (NorthEast United FC) | Salary: ₹6.66 crores
After his contract with Belgian team Zulte Waregem terminated, NorthEast United FC was prompt in signing Idrissa Sylla only one day later. This Guinean forward is brave on the ball and is renowned for his technical brilliance. Standing at 6-foot 2-inch, he could be a serious aerial threat to opposing teams. He has played at the highest level for Queens Park Rangers and Anderlecht in the past.
Adam le Fondre (Mumbai City FC) | Salary: ₹6.66 crores
Another well-travelled striker, Adam le Fondre is suiting up for Mumbai City FC this year on a season-long loan from Syndey FC. In the past, he has played for teams like Bolton Wanderers, Reading and Wolves. An international striker, he is also deadly in front of the goal and could create problems for opposition defences.
Vicente Gomez (Kerala Blasters) | Salary: ₹6.66 crores
The Spaniard Vicente Gomez is the only non-striker on the list. He signed a three-year deal with Kerala Blasters, coming from Deportivo La Coruna. The defensive midfielder brings a wealth of experience with him. At 32 years, he brings much-needed steel and to the Blasters midfield and will play a vital role in the team’s pursuit to the top-four spot.
THESE ARE NOT THE SALARIES YOU IDIOT!!!! THESE ARE THE MARKET VALUES. IT IS AN ARBITRARY NUMBER FOR CALCULATING TRANSFER FEES. IN INDIAN CONTEXT IT IS NOT IMPORTANT BECAUSE ISL TEAMS MOSTLY SIGN FREE AGENTS AND DOESNT PAY TRANSFER FEES. ALSO, THERE IS A SALARY CAP OF 16.7 CRORES FOR EACH TEAM. HOW THE F*** CAN KBFC PAY OTHER 21 PLAYERS WHEN GARY HOOPER AND VINCENTE GOMEZ TAKES 16 CRORE IN SALARY. SO THE REST OF THE TEAM WILL HAVE A SALARY OF 35,000 RUPEES PER YEAR????