The summer of 2021 was unquestionably one of the busiest transfer windows in history. And things were no different in Indian football. During the summer transfer window, many new signings were made, and some Indian players changed clubs.
This window had everything. Starting with a few high-profile transfers, free transfers, and a lot of turmoil. In the realm of football, the last three months have been a perfect never-say-never scenario. With the transfer window being closed, Khel Now looks at the top 10 Indian footballers who have changed teams this season:
Amarjit Singh Kiyam: SC East Bengal
Amarjit is part of a group of young stars that played in India’s first FIFA World Cup debut. He was the captain of India’s U-17 team that competed in the big tournament. Jamshedpur FC signed the youthful playmaker in 2018, although he spent the season with Indian Arrows. He returned to the Men of Steel late in the 2019-20 season after missing the previous two seasons due to injuries.
He needed a change of environment due to a lack of game time. After mutually terminating his contract with Jamshedpur FC during the winter transfer window, Amarjit moved to FC Goa. The midfielder has joined SC East Bengal on loan after two appearances in the ISL and four in the AFC Champions League for the Gaurs.
Ashutosh Mehta: ATK Mohun Bagan
This summer, Ashutosh Mehta will join ATK Mohun Bagan. Ashutosh returned to the ISL for NorthEast United ahead of the 2020-21 season after a season away from the Indian top division.
The Highlanders’ dynamic full-back had a wonderful game, recording two assists and a goal. Mehta has joined the Mariners on a free transfer after a breakout season both individually and collectively.
Jackichand Singh: SC East Bengal
Since he departed from FC Goa, Jackichand has been a journeyman in Indian football. Last season, he played for Jamshedpur FC before moving to Mumbai City in January. The winger joined SC East Bengal on loan from the Islanders this summer. He assisted three goals for Jamshedpur last season, but he was unable to repeat the feat in Mumbai.
Due to a lack of playing time with the Islanders, Jackichand was traded again, this time to the Red and Gold for a second stint. East Bengal could benefit much from Singh’s presence.
Bidyashagar Singh: Bengaluru FC
Bidyashagar drew the attention of numerous ISL clubs after a quantum leap season. Last season, he was the I-top League’s scorer and was dubbed the league’s Hero of the League, as well as winning the Golden Boot. Singh scored 12 goals for TRAU FC, helping his club to third place in the standings.
Many clubs were interested in signing him, but Bengaluru FC confirmed his acquisition on a three-year contract as they try to rebound from a dismal season.
HarmanjotKhabra: Kerala Blasters
HarmanjotKhabra has joined Kerala Blasters after four seasons with Bengaluru FC in the ISL. Khabra has a track record of success, having won the Indian Super League with Bengaluru FC and Chennaiyin FC, respectively. Khabra brings much-needed experience to the Blasters’ squad, in addition to his winning mentality.
Khabra was a key member of the Blues’ starting XI last season, contributing three assists. With his versatility and experience, his signing could bring a much-needed change to the Kerala Blasters’ setup.
NinthoinganbaMeetei: Chennaiyin FC
Ninthoi, a winger by trade, is regarded as one of India’s most promising young players. In India, he was a member of the highly desired U-17 FIFA World Cup squad. In the 2019 SAFF U-18 Championship, the winger was named Most Valuable Player. He joined NorthEast United from Indian Arrows in 2019 but has struggled to make an impression in the last two seasons.
On deadline day, Chennaiyin FC made a last-minute attempt to sign the wonderkid from NorthEast United. The Marina Machans paid an unknown transfer fee to complete the transaction.
Ishan Pandita: Jamshedpur FC
Ishan joined FC Goa last season after a six-year stint in the Spanish football system. Last season, he made his ISL debut for Goa against NorthEast United. He marked his arrival by scoring four goals in 11 games, all as a replacement.
However, due to a lack of playing time, Ishan decided to join another ISL club Jamshedpur FC. To acquire the 23-year-old Indian international, the Men of Steel paid FC Goa Rs 60 lakhs in transfer fees.
Liston Colaco: ATK Mohun Bagan
For his big-money move to ATK Mohun Bagan, the Goan forward is ranked third on this list. After joining Hyderabad FC from FC Goa in 2020, Liston rediscovered his form. With his deception, speed, and goal-scoring talents, he surprised everyone. Over the course of two seasons with the Nizams, Liston scored four goals and added three assists.
ATK Mohun Bagan approached them after the 2020-21 season ended. The Mariners signed the youthful forward to a two-year contract for a club-record price. Liston has already set high expectations for himself this season. In the Mariners’ AFC Cup victory over Maziya S&RC, he scored a goal.
Amrinder Singh: ATK Mohun Bagan
Amrinder Singh’s free transfer from Mumbai City to ATK Mohun Bagan has to be one of the most high-profile transfers. The shot-stopper signed a five-year deal with the Mariners in January, according to Khel Now. Amrinder joins ATKMB after winning the ISL title with Mumbai City. He was also given the Golden Glove in 2016.
For the Islanders, he had a mind-blowing save percentage of 74.39 percent in his final season. Singh is one of India’s best goalkeepers, recognized for his lightning-quick reflexes.
LalengmawiaRalte: Mumbai City
LalengmawiaRalte (Apuia) has joined Mumbai City, the reigning ISL champions. He was signed by the reigning champions for a world record transfer fee for an Indian player from NorthEast United. Despite the Highlanders’ reluctance to part with their wonderkid, an irresistible offer from Mumbai persuaded them to do so. “Apuia” made a record-breaking move to the Islanders.
For his mature and composed gaming, “Apuia” became the center of attention at NorthEast. He was selected the FPAI Young Player of the Year 2020-21 after winning the Emerging Player of the Season award the previous season.
