ISL 2017: Delhi Dynamos suffer blow as Juan Vogliotti deal falls through
What’s the story?
Indian Super League outfit Delhi Dynamos have faced a huge blow ahead of the tournament as their deal to sign Argentine striker Juan Leandro Vogliotti fell apart. This star striker was playing for Sport Boys Warnes in the Bolivian league and scored 21 goals in his 36 outings for the club. It appears the ISL club had announced the deal a little prematurely after the 32-year-old decided not to make the switch to India and stay with his current side.
A statement released by Delhi Dynamos earlier today read: "Delhi Dynamos FC regretfully announce that the signing of Argentine striker Juan Leandro Vogliotti could not be completed due to unavoidable circumstances."
The context
Earlier this month, Delhi Dynamos bolstered their attacking options for the upcoming Indian Super League season by announcing the capture of the experienced Vogliotti, making him one of the club's four foreign signings so far this summer.
The heart of the matter
Both the player and Delhi Dynamos have commented on the issue, with Vogliotti disappointedly saying: “I want to let you all know that I never had any bad intentions. Things were badly planned from my end and I should have completed all formalities before agreeing with Delhi Dynamos. Please accept my sincere apologies as I will not be able to leave this club and play in front of the amazing crowd in Delhi. Maybe, sometimes things do not go the way you want them too."
“Delhi Dynamos would like to assure all its supporters that adequate steps are being taken to fill the void left by Vogliotti and that the club will take the right steps to find the perfect replacement,” Delhi Dynamos Director Rohan Sharma also added a few cents.
What’s next?
Delhi Dynamos earlier indicated that they were waiting for International Transfer Certificates (ITC) for Vogliotti but finally didn’t come. Vogliotti, after discussions with Sport Boys officials, decided to respect his contract with them and snub Delhi Dynamos. It will be a difficult task for Delhi management to find a replacement of Vogliotti as time is at a premium. The Lions' head coach Miguel Angel Portugal, who would have been planning for the new season with goals from Vogliotti in mind, now has to think something different.
Author’s take
Nicknamed ‘The Chico’, Vogliotti is well known for his aerial prowess which makes him an automatic threat from set pieces. The Cordoba born striker became the first genuine centre forward signed by Delhi Dynamos this season but unfortunately, the signing fell through at the last moment.
This will surely disturb Delhi Dynamos’ planning for the upcoming season as well as their preparation. Vogliotti finished as the second highest scorer in the Bolivian top division last season. The prolific striker also found the back of the net in last season’s Copa Libertadores. He will be missed for sure.