Bengaluru FC endured a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, finishing 10th in the ISL standings. This represented a stark contrast to their promising 2022-23 season when they reached the final but lost to Mohun Bagan on penalties. Under Simon Grayson, Bengaluru FC achieved eight consecutive wins, securing a playoff spot in the 2022-23 season. However, Grayson parted ways mid-season in 2023-24, and Spaniard Gerard Zaragoza took over.
Despite the managerial change, Bengaluru’s struggles continued. They managed to score only 20 goals throughout the season, with defensive frailties compounding their issues. With a disappointing 2023-24 finish, the club is looking to rebuild for the upcoming season, with key signings such as Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Rahul Bheke, aimed at strengthening their attack and defense.
Summer Transfer Window: Team Composition and Transfer Dealings
Bengaluru FC made significant moves in the summer transfer window ahead of ISL 2024-25. Key signings include Spanish winger Edgar Méndez from Mexico’s Liga MX and striker Jorge Pereyra Díaz, who previously played for Mumbai City FC. Méndez is expected to bring creativity and flair to the flanks, while Díaz’s goal-scoring ability is seen as vital to bolstering their attack.
The club also strengthened its defense with the arrival of Chinglensana Singh and the return of Rahul Bheke. These signings aim to address the defensive vulnerabilities that plagued the team last season.
Notable departures include midfielder Javi Hernández and goalkeeper Lara Sharma, while Slavko Damjanović, a key figure in defense, left for Indonesia. These exits mark a transition for Bengaluru as they aim to refresh their squad and return to contention in ISL 2024-25.
Key Transfers In:
- Pedro Capo (Joined from Eldense)
- Jorge Pereyra Diaz (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
- Alberto Noguera (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
- Lalthuammawia Ralte (Joined from Odisha FC)
- Rahul Bheke (Joined from Mumbai City FC)
- Edgar Mendez (Joined from Club Necaxa)
- Mohammed Salah (Joined from Punjab FC)
Key Transfers Out:
- Parag Shrivas
- Keziah Veendorp (Contract Terminated)
- Shankar Sampingiraj (End of Contract)
- Amrit Gope (End of Contract)
- Vikram Singh (End of Contract)
- Oliver Drost (End of Contract)
- Slavko Damjanovic (End of Contract)
- Javi Hernandez (End of Contract)
- Rohit Kumar (End of Contract)
- Robin Yadav (End of Contract)
- Amay Morajkar (End of Contract)
- Lara Sharma (Joined FC Goa)
- Jayesh Rane (End of Contract)
Bengaluru FC Strengths: Attacking Reinforcements and Managerial Stability
The signings of Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Edgar Méndez significantly bolster Bengaluru FC’s attacking options. Díaz brings goal-scoring prowess, while Méndez adds creativity and flair on the wings, providing a balanced threat in attack.
The return of Rahul Bheke and the addition of Chinglensana Singh strengthen Bengaluru’s defense. Both are experienced defenders who can bring stability to the backline after the departures of key players.
Gurpreet Singh Sandhu remains a key player for Bengaluru FC, providing the team with reliability between the posts. His leadership, shot-stopping ability, and experience make him a vital asset.
Bengaluru FC has a solid blend of youth and experience. Players like Sivasakthi Narayanan bring youthful energy and dynamism, while veterans like Sunil Chhetri offer leadership and composure in crucial moments.
Gerard Zaragoza, now in charge from the start of the season, has had time to assess the squad and implement his tactical plans during the pre-season. His familiarity with the team and new signings should lead to better coordination and improved performances.
Bengaluru FC Weaknesses: Inconsistent Defensive Depth and Over-reliance on Key Players
Despite adding Chinglensana Singh and Rahul Bheke, the defense may still lack depth after losing players like Slavko Damjanovic and Parag Shrivas. Injuries or suspensions to key defenders could expose vulnerabilities at the back.
The departure of Javi Hernández and Rohit Kumar leaves a creative void in the midfield. While Alberto Noguera can provide some playmaking ability, the team may struggle to maintain fluidity in attack if he faces injury or poor form.
Pre-season injuries, especially to forward Sivasakthi Narayanan, have raised concerns about Bengaluru FC’s attacking depth. If injuries persist during the season, it could derail the club’s offensive momentum.
While the pre-season allowed for experimentation, Bengaluru FC struggled with defensive cohesion and consistency in front of goal during the Durand Cup. These issues could carry over into the ISL campaign unless resolved early on.
Bengaluru FC’s success heavily depends on the performances of key players like Sunil Chhetri, Sivasakthi Narayanan, and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. An over-reliance on these players could be problematic, especially if they face injuries or fatigue as the season progresses.
Key Players to Watch
Sivasakthi Narayanan
At just 22 years old, Sivasakthi Narayanan is one of Bengaluru FC’s most exciting prospects. He scored six goals and provided three assists in the ISL 2023-24 season, showcasing his attacking potential with pace, agility, and sharp off-the-ball movement. With more experience and a better understanding of his teammates, Sivasakthi is poised to become a key player in Bengaluru’s attack this season.
Jorge Pereyra Díaz
After a mixed 2023-24 season, Jorge Pereyra Díaz has a point to prove. The Argentine forward joins Bengaluru FC from Mumbai City FC, bringing goal-scoring ability that the team sorely needs.
Díaz’s experience and sharp finishing could make him a focal point in Bengaluru’s attack, and he will look to improve on his five-goal tally from last season.
Bengaluru FC Full Squad for ISL 2024-25:
Goalkeepers:
- Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
- Lalthuammawia Ralte
- Sahil Poonia
Defenders:
- Aleksandar Jovanović
- Chinglensana Singh Konsham
- Mohammed Salah K
- Nikhil Chandra Shekhar Poojary
- Rahul Shankar Bheke
- Roshan Singh Naorem
Midfielders:
- Alberto Noguera Ripoll
- Harsh Shailesh Patre
- Pedro Luis Capó Payeras
- Shivaldo Singh Chingambam
- Shreyas Ketkar
- Suresh Singh Wangjam
Forwards:
- Édgar Antonio Méndez Ortega
- Halicharan Narzary
- Jorge Rolando Pereyra Díaz
- Monirul Molla
- Rohit Danu
- Ryan Dale Williams
- Sivasakthi Narayanan
- Sunil Chhetri
Predicted Best XI
Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu
Defenders: Naorem Roshan Singh, Rahul Bheke, Aleksandar Jovanović, Namgyal Bhutia
Midfielders: Suresh Wangjam, Ryan Williams, Alberto Noguera
Forwards: Edgar Méndez, Sunil Chhetri, Sivasakthi Narayanan
Final Thoughts and Predictions
The 2024–2025 Indian Super League (ISL) season for Bengaluru FC kicks off on September 14, 2024, at 9:30 PM, with their first match against East Bengal FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru. This highly anticipated fixture will set the tone for Bengaluru’s campaign as they aim to make a strong start in front of their home fans.
Bengaluru FC enters ISL 2024-25 in a rebuilding phase but with promising reinforcements in key areas. The additions of Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Edgar Méndez significantly enhance their attacking options, while the return of Rahul Bheke and the signing of Chinglensana Singh provide defensive stability. Although defensive concerns and injuries may affect their campaign, Bengaluru FC has the potential to be competitive and should aim for a top-6 finish, with hopes of making the playoffs.
When is Bengaluru FC’s first match of the ISL 2024-25 season?
The 2024–2025 Indian Super League (ISL) season for Bengaluru FC kicks off on September 14, 2024, at 9:30 PM, with their first match against East Bengal FC at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
