I-League: Top 5 foreign signings so far

Foreigners have always been a decisive factor in Indian club football and their importance has been enhanced further following the rule of allowing four in the first eleven from the upcoming 2013-14 I-League. Some clubs like East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting and Shillong Lajong have already completed their full quota of four foreigners while many teams are yet to finish their transfer activity for the new season.

There is still plenty of time to see a few more foreign signings but already there have been some quality recruitments. Sportskeeda lists the top five foreign signings of the I-League summer transfer window so far.

List in chronological order (in terms of the date on which each signing was confirmed)

Penn Orji (Mohammedan Sporting)

The Nigerian midfield playmaker joined Mohammedan Sporting after failing to agree on a new deal with East Bengal as it required a pay cut due to the financial problems at the red-and-gold brigade. Penn spent three seasons at East Bengal and was one of their most consistent players in the first two campaigns. The former JCT man’s form dipped in his final season at East Bengal but there is no doubt about his quality and he can be expected to be at his best again for newly-promoted Mohammedan Sporting. Despite signing Tolgay Ozbey, Luciano Sobrosa and Josimar, senior Mohammedan Sporting officials have publicly stated that Penn will be their talisman and is a strong contender to be the captain. Penn will be reunited with Tolgay also and it could turn out to be one of the best combinations of the 2013-14 I-League.