Kolkata: Amidst all the exciting transfer rumours across the globe, the Indian Super League (ISL) also jumped into the limelight as Mario Mandzukic and Samir Nasri have been linked to set their foot on Indian soil.
ISL is no new to world-class stars with big names like Roberto Carlos, Nicolas Anelka, Tim Cahill, Florent Malouda and Marco Materrazzi having already plied their trade in the last seven years. This season is no exception.
Mandzukic, who played a key role in Croatia’s 2018 World Cup runners-up campaign has recently been linked with two-time ISL runners-up ATK Mohun Bagan after his contract with Italian side AC Milan wasn’t renewed.
The 35-year-old, who had a glittering club career with the likes of Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid might well conquer the ISL if ever he is coming. The Kolkata-based ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan) have brought some big names — Helder Postiga, Robbie Keane, Luis Garcia – in the past and it won’t be a surprise if they manage to catch Mandzukic in their own net.
Mandzukic, who has 33 goals in 89 appearances for Croatia, also won Bundesliga and Serie A with Bayern Munich and Juventus respectively. He also lifted the Champions League with Bayern Munich in the 2012-13 season. Meanwhile, last week ATK MB announced their first major signing of Finland international Joni Kuoko who was recently seen in Euro 2020.
On the other hand, former Manchester City star Samir Nasri is linked with Kerala Blasters since the onset of last season. The 2010 French Player of The Year played a crucial role for Premier League champions Manchester City winning two league titles with them and appearing in 176 matches across all competitions.
Even though the club blew off the rumours, it would have been an absolute treat for the Indian football fans to see such a personality blazing the Indian fields. Nasri’s last destination was with Belgian club Anderlecht and is currently a free agent.
Reports also claim that the Yellow Army is looking forward to signing former Tottenham Hotspurs winger Paul Jose M’Poku after the departure of their forwards Gary Hooper and Jordan Murray. M’ Poku, who has represented Belgium at the junior level, made his senior debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo and has already scored six goals in 10 games.
However, the football aficionados have already been treated shortly after the end of the last season when Odisha FC announced legendary Spanish veteran David Villa has joined as the Global Sporting Director. The news elated the fans as they wait for the season to commence to witness Villa’s impact in the league.
