With the third season of the Indian Super League set for an October start, the teams are not wasting any time in bolstering their squad with big names. Mumbai City FC, for one, have been the most active this summer, signing numerous overseas players in a bid to make an impact in the new ISL season.
On Tuesday, the Mumbai side announced the addition of Brazilian goalkeeper Roberto Netto and Romanian defender Lucian Goian, while Delhi Dynamos announced the signing of highly-rated Manipur duo -- Indian goalkeeper Soram Poirei and central midfielder Milan Singh.
Zico's FC Goa meanwhile revealed that they have retained their midfield maestro from Spain -- Jofre Mateu. The 36-year-old will play alongside India international forward Robin Singh for the first time in the Indian Super League in ISL 2016.
Mumbai City FC signings
The duo of Roberto and Lucian joins the likes of Sony Norde, Gerson Vieira, Katsumi Yusa, Matias Defederico, Leo Costa and Krisztian Vadocz as the other foreign players in the side.
Netto, a towering goalkeeper, has plied his trade in the top Brazilian and Portuguese leagues, which includes Vasco da Gama. Lucian, 33, meanwhile, is a two-time Romanian Cup winner and has played in the UEFA Europa League in four occasions in his career, for Dinamo Bucuresti, while also picking up an assist in the competition.
"Lucian and Roberto form an integral and solid part of our team. They have both played at the highest levels and provide great awareness and experience in the centre-back and goalkeeping departments respectively," said Mumbai City FC coach Alexandre Guimaraes. "I know Lucian very well from having coached him in China, and I can't wait for Roberto and him to join the rest of the squad and defend the fortress."
Delhi Dynamos signings
The Delhi side boasts of a major fanbase from the North-East and therefore, the arrival of Milan and Soram is a masterstroke by the team in retaining their existing fans from the region and also adding more potential supporters.
Both youngsters played together for I-League side Shillong Lajong FC in the past and while Milan has played for NorthEast United FC in the ISL, Soram is set to make his debut in the Indian Super League.
"I am very pleased to have Soram and Milan on my team. These two players are really talented and I look forward to working with them," said Delhi Dynamos coach Gianluca Zambrotta in a statement. "Their names were discussed over the last couple of days among all of us, including club president Prashant Agarwal and the backroom staff. We believe that they fit perfectly in our plan for the upcoming season."
FC Goa signings
Robin was announced as the first major signing by the ISL 2015 finalists, ahead of the third season, and that has been followed by the announcement that they have retained Jofre. The Spanish midfielder was crucial in more ways than one for Zico's side last season as they reached the final of the competition, before losing to Chennaiyin FC.
Jofre, who played for Atletico de Kolkata in the first season of the Indian Super League that saw them become champions, has featured in a total of 24 games in the competition, scoring and assisting five times each.
"I'm very happy to re-sign with FC Goa again. We had a great campaign last year and the people of Goa really made me feel welcome," Jofre said.
"I felt an instant connect with the Goan crowds who came to watch our matches and they played a huge role in inspiring us on our path to the final. I can't wait to experience more of the same passionate support this year. Just like last year, I will give it my all for the club on and off the pitch."
