For the 2018-19 season, Hero Indian Super League (ISL) did away with the player draft system and introduced the summer transfer window for the first time. It meant that the clubs had the luxury to add a host of talented players to their squad and strengthen their weaker departments. Hence, this season will witness a host of new foreign players agreeing to shift base to India and ply their trade in the Hero ISL.

Here we take a look at some of the most exciting international recruits who will be making their debut in the 2018-19 campaign.

TIM CAHILL

Club: Jamshedpur FC

Position: Forward

Arguably the biggest transfer of the 2018-19 season, Tim Cahill will be a valuable addition to the Jamshedpur outfit. The Australian legend brings plenty of experience and leadership ability to this relatively young Jamshedpur side. Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer, Cahill made a name for himself at Everton, establishing himself as one of the finest attackers in the English Premier League. His goal scoring prowess and aerial ability will prove especially handy for Cesar Ferrando’s men when they take to the pitch for the new season.

ANDREA ORLANDI

Club: Chennaiyin FC

Position: Midfielder

After the departure of Rene Mihelic to Delhi Dynamos, Chennaiyin were in dire need of a replacement who could match the Slovenian’s experience and creative prowess. The Spanish-born Italian comes in with a wealth of experience, having played in Italy, Spain and Wales, and is renowned for his dead-ball abilities. If he can develop a good understanding with fellow midfielders Raphael Augusto and Anirudh Thapa, we could very well see the defending champions deliver similar success this campaign.

CHENCHO GYELTSHEN

Club: Bengaluru FC

Position: Midfielder

Labelled as the Bhutanese Ronaldo, Chencho Gyeltshen could turn out to be the most valuable transfer of the summer window. Chencho joins the club after a stellar season with Minerva Punjab in the Hero I-league where he was awarded the Best Forward of the season and guided his team to their first ever title. His speed and technical ability fit perfectly into Bengaluru’s footballing philosophy. If the forward, who is Bhutan’s all-time top goal scorer, can quickly find his feet with the Blues, Carles Cuadrat’s men could leave opposition teams in their wake.

CARLOS PENA

Club: FC Goa

Position: Defender

With Goa possessing one of the strongest attacking forces in the league, the main priority during the transfer window was the recruitment of a defender who could steady the ship and ensure minimal cracks at the back. Carlos Pena, another addition to a growing number of Spaniards in the Gaurs squad, ticks all the necessary boxes. A left back, who can also slot in at centre-half, Pena is known for his composure and no-nonsense defending. His presence will come as a huge boost to Sergio Lobera, who will be vying for the title in his second spell in charge.

BARTHOLOMEW OGBECHE

Club: NorthEast United FC

Position: Forward

After a fairly disappointing 2017-18 campaign, NorthEast United have almost completely revamped their squad in a bid to pose a stronger challenge for the new season. Central to their efforts will be the performances of former Paris Saint-Germain forward Bartholomew Ogbeche. The Nigerian forward is known for his explosive finishing and strength inside the box. In his last season with Eredivisie club Willem II, Ogbeche notched up 10 goals in 20 appearances. Eelco Schattorie will be hoping that his foreign recruit doesn’t take too long to adapt to the conditions of the league and starts showing his class from the get-go.