Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Bengaluru FC have finally landed their sought-after foreign striker, Curtis Main.

The Englishman has signed a one-year deal with an option for a one-year extension, making him the second foreign signing for Bengaluru FC during this transfer window, after Slavko Damjanovic.

The 31-year-old comes with a wealth of experience gained from playing in both England and Scotland. He boasts an impressive track record, having played for as many as nine British clubs, but he has never represented a non-British club before. The flair of Indian football is bound to excite the Englishman as he embarks on a new journey with Bengaluru FC.

The Blues’ fans will undoubtedly be hoping that he forges a deadly partnership with Captain Sunil Chhetri upfront. But what can they realistically expect from their new striker?

Main will arrive in fine form

Bengaluru FC need not worry about the form of their latest recruitment; instead, they should take a quick look at Main’s impressive numbers to gauge his abilities and current form.

He is coming off an incredible season with St Mirren in 2022-23. The goal poacher showcased his striker’s instinct against Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership last season, where he scored a brace in a thrilling 2-2 draw in May 2023.

Overall, Main accumulated nine goals and six assists in 39 matches across all competitions last season. Additionally, he scored three goals and provided one assist in 35 appearances during the 2021-22 season.

The striker has maintained an average of almost 70 minutes per game over the last two seasons, indicating he is in excellent physical condition.

Where does he fit in the squad?

The No. 9 role is best suited for the striker. The former Motherwell star thrives playing between the centre-backs, and there is no doubt he will play the same role at BFC.

Even though the team has Sunil Chhetri and Sivasakthi Narayanan on the roster, Main adds a different dimension to the side. In fact, he will join the squad as a direct replacement for Roy Krishna, who has recently made a switch to Odisha FC.

The Darlington graduate has the ability to create openings in the final third and can make runs around the box, pushing the centre-backs out of their comfort zone, while also having a knack for shooting on goal when he is inside the 18-yard box.

Main can also play alongside Chhetri or Sivasakthi upfront if the BFC head coach Simon Grayson opts to play with a double striker.

Biggest Strengths

Main's hulking frame and physical attributes are his biggest strengths. He possesses a ruthless style of play with the determination and desire to score goals.

The forward is blessed with an imposing physique and is quick and sharp when timing his runs in behind the defence. Main also excels in pressing the opponent's defence, forcing them to make mistakes by harassing them relentlessly over the course of a game. He has that clinical edge to match his work rate and skill and looks like an ideal fit for the side.

While he may require some time to adjust to the new surroundings, with Javi Hernandez, Halicharan Narzary, and Chhetri providing the service, Main could easily become one of the formidable threats in the Hero ISL next season.

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