#1 Brandon Fernandes extends his contract with FC GOA until 2025 –

 Mr Dependable aka Brandon Fernandes penned a new contract extension with FC Goa which will keep him with the club until 2025.

The 26-year-old midfielder has shown his class in the ISL as well as with the national team. Since joining the team in 2017, Brandon has evolved into a complete player and has been a regular contributor for the team. Recently, in the AFC Champions League, he was the man to set up the goal against Iranian giants Persepolis. He also holds the record for the highest number of assists by an Indian player in the ISL.

#2 Jerry Mawia extends his stay with Odisha FC on a long term contract –

Despite interests from many clubs, the star player for Odisha this season, Jerry Mawihmingthanga decides to extend his stay with team Odisha.

The 24-year-old winger has been a crucial part for Odisha this season. With 5 assists in 17 appearances, He recorded the most number of assists by an Indian player in the ISL 2020-21 season. Jerry has completed his second year with Odisha, in which he bagged the Football Players Association of India (FPAI) Young Player of the Year Award for ISL 2019-2020 season.

#3 RoundGlass Punjab FC and Curtis Fleming part ways –

 RoundGlass Punjab FC and Curtis Fleming have parted ways by mutual consent. He commented on his official Twitter handle, “I would like to thank RGPFC for the opportunity to manage in India. It was an honour to lead them in their first season as a professional club.”

The Irish coach led the Punjab-based side in this I-League season, and finished 4^th in the standings. Under his management, RoundGlass Punjab won six games, lost five and drew four.

#4 Adam Le Fondre parts way with Mumbai City FC and returns to  Sydney FC –

 After a fantastic season with the Champions Mumbai City FC this year, the English forward has decided to go back to his former team Sydney FC. He was the highest goal scorer for Mumbai this season, with 11 goals in 23 appearances.

Teaming up with Bartholomew Ogbeche and Hugo Boumous he created some serious threats for the opponent’s defenders, which led MCFC to double delight – The ISL Shield and Championship. Before joining the Islanders, he was a part of the A-League based Sydney FC for two seasons. In both the seasons, Adam was the top scorer for the side.

#5 Ashutosh Mehta joins ATK Mohun Bagan on a 3 year deal –

 Ashutosh Mehta returns to his former team ATK Mohun Bagan, after a year’s gap. He played for Northeast United this season, playing a crucial role for the Highlanders.

Alongside his defensive duties, he helped his team with a goal and two assists, leading NorthEast United to the playoffs. The 30-year-old defender also represents the Indian national team and plays as a full back.

#6 Liston Colaco joins ATK Mohun Bagan from Hyderabad FC –

 The Indian International midfielder is all set to don the green and maroon colours until 2023 on a record transfer fee.  “With a focus on long-term sustainability, Hyderabad FC agreed for Liston’s move in a deal that fetches the highest-ever transfer fee received for an Indian player,” a statement from Hyderabad FC said.

Liston had an amazing season this year, where he featured in all the 23 games, scoring three goals and assisting four. This was impressive enough for the Mariners and coach Antonio Lopez Habas to go all in and buy the player at any cost!

With the new rules in ISL from next year, where only four foreign players are allowed to play in the playing XI, the promising 22-year-old midfielder can be a big boost for the Mariners.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: IKF announce partnership with PFSA to promote grassroots football in India

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

The post Top Indian Football Transfer updates in April appeared first on Football Counter.

NorthEast United have never made it to the playoffs in the last three ISL editions but the Portuguese coach is confident that his team can turn over a new leaf as they start with a home game.

“I can’t speak of the past. At this moment, our team, we have a group of qualified coaches who have deep knowledge of training. But in competition with so much demand, we should be careful in some situation.  We are preparing our team in a certain way,” said Joao.

The hosts have a strong enough squad to challenge the established teams in the competition. India stars Halicharan Narzary and Rowllin Borges will be certain starters in midfield, although Rowllin’s injury in training has been some cause for concern.

“First, let’s see if he is on the field tomorrow. If he is not available obviously we are not going to play with just 10 players. He’ll be in the XI if he is fit,” said the coach.

For Jamshedpur FC, the opening game will be their first taste of ISL action.

“I am excited about our first match. My squad has been preparing for six to seven weeks. I think we are all raring to go, looking for the challenge. We are a new franchise but that doesn’t make a great deal of difference,” said Jamshedpur coach Steve Coppell.

Even though Jamshedpur are new to the ISL, they have enough experience in their ranks, starting with their coach who guided Kerala Blasters to the final last season. On the field, there will be Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo in defence, South African Sameehg Doutie in midfield and Senegalese striker Talla N’Diaye.

“Coming here (Guwahati) for the first match of the season is difficult. They have got a good team and we don’t know much about them as a team. Once we get few games under our belt, we can prepare better for our oppositions,” said Coppell.

Also Read: Kingfisher looks for ‘Good times’ in Indian Super League

Also Read: Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates on Indian Football

The post Northeast United to open campaign against debutant Jamshedpur FC appeared first on Football Counter.

The 24 year old centre back has played for the reserves side of Portuguese giant Sporting CP in more than 72 games. Last loaned out to Sporting Covilha, the Guinea-Bissau International signed for Indian Super League side Northeast United FC on transfer deadline day, in the process becoming the first foreign signing of the club for ISL season 4.

Sporting club de Portugal in their site has confirmed the transfer, “Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD announces that it has reached an agreement with North East United Football Club for the definitive transfer of the player Sambinha, with Sporting SAD holding 50% of the athlete’s pass. Sporting SAD wishes Sambinha the greatest personal and professional happiness.”

It seems like NEUFC Coach João de Deus, former coach of the Lions’ B team played an important role in securing the service of the player. Sambinha served as the captain of Sporting CP B team playing in defence while chipping in with 4 goals in the total of 72 appearances. He has been loaned out in the last two seasons to the MLS side New England Revolution and Portugese second division SC Covilhã.

Also Read: Transfer day deadline: What this means for Northeast United

Sambinha is a really strong centre back and will be an aerial threat from corners and wide freekicks. He will now feature alongside Highlander’s local defensive personnel’s – Nirmal Chettri, Robert Lalthlamuana, Reagan Singh and Abdul Hakku in the back line.

After going over the whole month without any action, fans were getting impatient at the clubs lack of signings in the foreign department. So this news will come as a breath of fresh air as once the windows closes today, Northeast United FC can only look for free agents and no club transfers.

The post NEUFC announce Transfer deadline day signing of their first foreign player appeared first on Football Counter.

India has never seen a frenzied transfer window in a long time like their European counterparts but this season has been an exception. With I-league and ISL both set to run parallel and with the tournament now extended, Teams have been on look out for getting some quality foreign signing to boost the squad as well as attract fans. Aizawl, East Bengal, Mohan Bagan from I-league have been very active in this regard bring in fresh new foreigners while Shillong Lajong too announced a bulk foreign signings recently.

Back in ISL, Clubs have been busy in the transfer market too while few clubs looked for marquee signings others recruited players with previous ISL experience. But there has been one team that hasn’t announced a single foreign recruit so far. Northeast has always taken pride in giving home grown players a chance and are in fact one of the biggest producers football talents in India. But the highlander’s in-activeness in the transfer market as baffled a lot of fans.

As the transfer window closes on 31 August, the opportunity of buying players from different clubs closes with it too. Even loan deals will be unavailable; the only option that Northeast will be left with is looking for free agents. While looking for free agents are not a bad idea since it saves the transfer money involved between clubs, it definitely reduces the talent pool available with the fact that Northeast United have not got even one signing should also be considered.

NUFC Fans have been quite vocal about this transfer silence on online platforms, urging the club to get some one. While the clubs had foreign players in previous season they have failed to impact the league having failed to qualify for the last four in the previous seasons. The effect of not bringing anyone in the transfer window will only be known once the season starts.

Also Read: FIFA Legends to join U17 WC Trophy Experience in Mumbai

The post Transfer day deadline: What this means for Northeast United appeared first on Football Counter.