For Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG), the 2024 summer transfer market is a year of major remodeling as they attempt to reinforce their group before embarking on next Indian Super League (ISL) and AFC Champions League ventures. MBSG has recruited seasoned international players alongside up-and-coming Indian stars in order to strengthen their squad. However, some key players have also left the team amid these changes. Below is a detailed analysis of what transpired in terms of new arrivals, changes in date as well old faces that departed from this particular football club.
Incoming
1. Alberto RodrÃguez –
After being signed by MBSG from Indonesian football club Persib Bandung, versatile defender Alberto RodrÃguez moves to this new team. The 31-year-old has competently played in various clubs across Europe and Asia, a vast experience he brings along. His flexibility as a left or right sided center-back greatly enhances MBSG’s defense which is important due to their participation on several fronts.
RodrÃguez said that he was more than happy to join the MBSG team mainly because of its devoted supporters. José Molina, the head coach commended him for his power, defensive soundness and attacking contribution. With this defensive edge; MBSG is defending its ISL Shield while striving hard in AFC Champions League.
2. Tom Aldred-
Australian centre-back Tom Aldred is also another big addition into the defense line having played previously in English, Scottish and Australian leagues. For someone aged thirty-two years old, he has high command over his team mates making him an aerial battler thus making into a more experienced players who possess great physique for establishing firm backline lines. Aldred cannot wait to wear his green and maroon jersey where he will serve MBSG next season.
By commanding the defense with an authoritative voice, especially during aerial duels, he will make a great contribution to MBSG’s ambitions for local and international triumphs.
3. Lalengmawia 'Apuia' Ralte –
At 23 years old, Lalengmawia Ralte popularly known as Apuia is one of the most thrilling signings made by MBSG. Coming from Mumbai City FC with a reported price of ₹1.6 crore, he is one of Indian football's promising young players. Apuia will be an important part in midfield for MBSG due to his calmness on the ball, vision, and ability to control play.
His coming will not only add creativity but also reinforce possession game at MBSG. Apuia will fit into MBSG’s strategy of wanting to control matches from the midfield area.
4. Greg Stewart –
Greg Stewart has signed with MBSG for the 2024-25 season after being two-time ISL winners with Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City FC. Known for his flexibility, insightfulness, and sharp finishing skills, this 34-year Scottish attacking mid-fielder has been critical during championship seasons and hopes to replicate that magic again at MBSG.
Stewart’s addition is surely going to boost MBSG’s attacking strength as they look to reclaim ICU title as well as compete internationally; he calls it a "dream" playing in Kolkata.
5. Jamie Maclaren –
Having joined MBSG on a four-year contract, Australian striker Jamie Maclaren has become the A-League’s highest ever goal scorer. Maclaren’s trademark finishing, blistering pace and sharp positional instincts inside the box have earned him the reputation of being a killer finisher as he has netted 149 goals in the A-League and 11 for Australia internationally.
With MBSG having him in their ranks, it means they will have additional firepower when going forward hence fans are likely to witness many goals as the squad intends to perform well both in ISL and AFC Champions League.
6. Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem –
One of India’s most promising goalkeepers Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem has rejoined MBSG for one year after he left FC Goa last season. He was also a member of ATK Mohun Bagan’s ISL winning team that bagged the title in 2020.
Dheeraj is noted for his quick reflexes and calmness during tense moments which makes him suitable to compete for the place occupied by first choice goalkeeper thus keeping both strong and dependable throughout MBSG’s goalkeeping department.
Outgoings
1. Kiyan Nassiri –
Kiyan Nassiri needs to return home and play for Chennaiyin FC after leaving MBSG. The young player has helped in winning a title that will be remembered forever at this centre of excellence, ISL 2023. At present, Kiyan is contracted for three years during which he hopes to improve even more under Owen Coyle as his coach at Chennaiyin.
2. Anwar Ali –
All eyes have been watching Anwar Ali’s transfer saga. He first terminated his four-year loan agreement with MBSG citing FIFA rules on loan durations. For five more seasons he is now with their arch rival East Bengal FC.
3. Brendan Hamill, Joni Kauko, and Hector Yuste –
Brendan Hamill and midfielders Joni Kauko and Hector Yuste also left MBSG after their contracts expired; Kauko signed for Inter Kashi while Yuste joined East Bengal FC thereby increasing the rivalry between Kolkata’s football giants.
These players were crucial components of the defense line behind MBSG when they lifted the ISL league Winners’ Shield attracting attention across all regions playing soccer at any level. Thus their exiting has been a major reshuffle within MBSG team structure.
4. Armando Sadiku –
Following up on his impressive performances in MBSG’s triumph at the Durand Cup and ISL Shield continuing, Armando Sadiku has now joined FC Goa. Last season, the Albanian striker netted 11 goals while playing in 35 matches for MBSG. This way, FC Goa’s forwards will be strengthened by his physical strength and instinct for goals.
5. Hugo Boumous –
Hugo Boumous, another important name in the Indian football circuit has left MBSG and gone to Odisha FC. He was previously at Mumbai City FC and FC Goa under coach Sergio Lobera who happens to be his former coach as well. The exit of Boumous will affect MBSG’s midfield because there will not be a creative player like him anymore.
MBSG seems set for silverware with their line-up which includes experienced foreigners such as Alberto RodrÃguez, Tom Aldred and Greg Stewart plus young Indian players such as Apuia and Dheeraj during the 2024 summer transfer window. However, important players who have departed including Kiyan Nassiri, Anwar Ali and Hugo Boumous mean that everyone else needs to step up in order fill their shoes.
The start of ISL season is likely to witness all eyes focusing on MBSG hoping that through this summer deals they would rise above such disappointments again.
