Kolkata: The Indian Super League (ISL) has seen several legendary names from around the world playing their trade for several clubs and if everything goes well, Manchester City legend Yaya Toure might the latest to join the list. Toure himself has shown interest in playing in India and could be seen in the upcoming season expected to start in November.
The 37-year-old has featured in the 08-09’s treble-winning Barcelona side and also played a huge role in the rise of City as a Premier League giants. The Ivorian has been linked with Bengaluru FC, FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC, and will be signed as a marquee if any of the clubs are willing to sign him. It means he won’t be included within the salary cap of Rs. 16.5 Crore.
“We were a bit surprised that a player of his caliber wanted to come to India. We also expected his salary to be quite high, so we didn’t pursue him,” FC Goa’s Director of Football Ravi Pushkar said in an interview with TOI.
Similarly, Bengaluru FC CEO Mandar Tamhane said, “Yaya Toure has been offered to us by Harcus (Consultancy). I got the message on Linkedin and three others from my team have it too. I have not responded, nor has the gentleman done a follow-up.”
Thank you to the friendly people at @leytonorientfc for accommodating me to train with them.
— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) July 24, 2020
It feels good to be back training and feeling the ground!
Getting well prepared for my next challenge 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/XpwXwF57fW
Toure’s representatives have offered Toure’s services, for an annual deal worth around $1.5 million (Rs 11.25 crore approx.). He reportedly earned £230,000 (approx. Rs 2.07 crore) per week when he played in the sky blue at the Etihad stadium.
According to reports, Toure may just be willing to accept one-third of that amount, due to the financial limitations in the view of the COVID-19 crisis, and would settle for offers closer to $500,000 (approx Rs 3.75 crore). Mumbai City FC, which is owned by City Football Group could make or break the deal.
Jamshedpur FC on the other hand are quite keen to sign this Ivorian. Reports claim that they are the heaviest link to sign him in. After leaving Manchester City, Toure played for Olympiakos in Greece, then joined the Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai. Recently he was seen training with League Leyton Orient in England. Maybe, he is not in his prime but still can be effective as a defensive midfielder for any side in the ISL.
