Pune FC want to set trend of transfer fees in Indian football

In Indian football, transfer fees are a rare to non-existent occurrence, though it has happened over a decade back when some players were transferred from Dempo SC to Mahindra United. Now this trend, which is a normalcy of the football business around the world, could become a usual affair in Indian football if players want to leave their existing clubs before the end of the contract.

Up to now, the usual thing is that players most often sign one year contracts and then either extend their contract at the end of the season or leave for another team. Contracts of longer durations – two, three and four years – are not often signed, which also is a reason why salaries have gone-up drastically over the last few years.

The current case is that of 25 year old Pune FC midfielder, Lester Mark Fernandez, who was wanted by aspiring Kolkata side Prayag United SC, but he had a year left on his contract and Pune FC did not want him to go for free. The two clubs discussed for weeks the potential transfer and then agreed in the end that Prayag United would pay Pune FC Rs 2 Million (20 lakhs) as transfer fee.

Pune FC Head Operations, Chirag Tanna validates the transfer by saying, “Lester has been transferred to Prayag United for Rs. 20 lakh. Prayag United SC officials have been in touch with us for some time now and the deal concluded last week. Pune FC’s ultimate aim is to become self sustaining and player transfer remains a key aspect in achieving the aim.”

It is interesting to hear from Chirag Tanna that transfer income could be a way of generating revenues for PFC. Then one will have to see if Indian football clubs are willing to pay transfer fees and if this would have any impact on player salaries.