(Image credit for 3rd and 4th pics: airamcabrera9@Twitter and Odisha FC)

Two-time Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) champions Chennaiyin FC have by far been the busiest team in the transfer market since August 2 earlier this month. They have acquired as many as four new players during this period and these are Indian defender Deepak Devrani, Serbian defender Slavko Damjanovic, Polish midfielder Ariel Borysuik and another Indian defender Davinder Singh. Though the Marina Machans, who finished eighth on the points table last season, bid farewell to Eli Sabia.

Odisha FC, who propped up the league last season, come second with three signings: midfielder Nikhil Raj (on loan) and Spanish duo of defender Hector Rodas and winger Aridai Cabrera. However, they also let go of Jacob Tratt and Manuel Onwu.

Six-time semi-finalists FC Goa, reigning champions Mumbai City FC and Jamshedpur FC have announced one signing each during this period. While the Gaurs brought on board striker Airam Cabrera as a replacement for last season’s Golden Boot winner Igor Angulo, the Islanders secured the services of 2020-21 Emerging Player of the Season Lalengmawia who impressed one and all in NorthEast United FC colours before going on to make his debut for India against Oman in late March. Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, handed Seiminlen Doungel a permanent deal. The winger had joined Owen Coyle’s team on loan during the 2020-21 January transfer window from FC Goa.

There have been quite a few contract extensions during this period too. Jamshedpur FC took the lead in this regard and retained the services of skipper Peter Hartley and goalkeeper TP Rehenesh. Both played an important role in Jamshedpur FC notching up eight clean sheets last season. Hyderabad FC also retained the services of defender Chinglensana Singh, while Mumbai City FC extended Hmingthanmawia’s stay.