The group stage of the AIFF Super Cup ended with East Bengal FC, Punjab FC, FC Goa and Mumbai City FC qualifying for the semi-final of the tournament. We now put the spotlight on five new signings who impressed for their respective teams in the initial stages of the tournament

Miguel Figueira

The twenty-five year old midfielder signed by East Bengal FC from Bangladeshi club Bashundhara Kings showed supporters of the red and gold brigade that the number 8 position for the club finally has an able replacement after Borja Herrera. Figueira scored on his Super Cup debut against Dempo SC – a tight, almost zero angle finish that rifled into the top of the net. He ran the game from midfield in East Bengal’s next match against Chennaiyin FC, helping them to a 4-0 victory, and played a crucial defensive role in their 0-0 draw against Mohun Bagan Super Giant that eventually secured qualification to the semi-final.

What stood out was his remarkable close control for a tall player, and ability to pick out a pass. If East Bengal are to achieve anything of note by the time the semi-finals come around, Figueira’s contributions are going to be crucial.

Braian Sanchez

Thirty-two year old Sanchez, who has been signed from Argentine club Deportivo Riestra as a potential replacement for Alberto Noguera in Bengaluru FC’s midfield brought some South American flair to the tournament. His constant late runs into the box kept defenders guessing, and he combined that quality with an excellent work rate. Sanchez assisted a goal against Mohammedan SC, in the first game. While he could not eventually help BFC with qualification to the semi-final of the AIFF Super Cup, it is worth noting that he was part of the midfield of a team that did not lose a single match in the group stage.

Dani Ramirez

A career which began in the youth teams of Real Madrid and Leganes has rendered now thirty-three year old Dani Ramirez the kind of technical ability that is going to be of great use to his new team, Punjab FC. We saw that in the group stages of the AIFF Super Cup, where Ramirez was central to all the attacking intent shown by the Shers. He successfully helped them to qualify for the semi-final of the Super Cup for the first time in their history, providing one assist along the way. Ramirez’s lethal left foot and burst of pace makes him stand out from the rest of the players in his position, and it will be exciting to see where he can now take this Punjab FC side.

Koldo Obieta

Kerala Blasters fans finally have the clinical striker they’ve been waiting for. Thirty-two year old Spaniard Koldo Obieta’s sharp finishes are evidence that the service he will be provided by the likes of Adrian Luna will not go to waste. Obieta belongs to that breed of strikers which don’t need an invitation to shoot. He ended up being the top scorer of the Super Cup group stage with three goals. Unfortunately, the Blasters suffered heartbreak against Mumbai City FC in their final group game and did not qualify for the semi-final of the AIFF Super Cup, but Obieta’s performances were a definite silver lining in a Super Cup campaign that will be remembered for his arrival on the Indian football stage.

Chema Nunez

NorthEast United FC’s scouting department has managed to find yet another creative midfielder that made fans sit up and take notice of the flair he added to the pitch. Twenty-eight year old Spaniard Chema Nunez has been signed to play right behind Alaaeddine Ajaraie, and their connection was clear to see from the moment they stepped on to the pitch together. Although Nunez did not play every minute in the Super Cup, he still clocked two assists and was a constant threat running in behind defenders as well. To add to that, he has the work-rate that a Benali midfielder needs, and it will be interesting to see his evolution with this team.

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Kerala Blasters FCBengaluru FCEast Bengal FCNorthEast United FC2025-26Punjab FC AIFF Super Cup