ISL 2018: Bengaluru FC in talks with Spaniard Javi Lara
What's the story?
Bengaluru FC have shown interest in ex-Atletico De Kolkata's central midfielder Javi Lara. The blues are already in talks with the 32-year-old Spaniard and are looking to reinforce their squad for their second ISL season.
In case you didn't know...
Born in Montoro, Cordoba, Javi Lara started his youth careers at Cordoba. The attacking midfielder has played for a host of teams in the first two divisions of Spain like Almeria, Elche, Eibar, Valencia B. The Spaniard also has some experience playing on India soil as he donned the Rojiblanco colours of Atletico De Kolkata for 20 games over two seasons in the ISL between 2015 to 2016. Javi also won the ISL with the Kolkata based side in 2016. The player returned to Cordoba after this short stint and is now looking to come back to India.
The heart of the matter
Two times I-League and Federation Cup champions, winners of the inaugural Hero Supercup and League table toppers of the 2017-18 edition of the ISL, Bengaluru FC have shown interest in Javi Lara and initiated talks, Sportskeeda has learnt.
With the style of Albert Roca's BFC requiring players who can play possession and positional football, a Spaniard can fit into the squad quite easily. He will be joining compatriots Juanan, Toni Dovale, Victor Perez, Daniel Lucas and Dimas Delgado. The attacking midfielder will be providing some firepower as he can be lethal in front of goal. Javi had 4 goals and an assist in the ISL during his stint with ATK and he looks to increase the numbers, should this deal go through.
What's next?
Cordoba has been relegated to the third division of Spanish football and Javi has had a forgetful season. The decision to jump ships to Indian giants should not be hard for the Spaniard and a transfer is very much on the cards.
Author's take
After topping the table and smashing all records and yet failing to win the title, Bengaluru FC have to settle for nothing but the title in the 2018-19 edition of the ISL to better their previous season. A player like Javi Lara brings quality to the side and provides attacking options.