Top 5 off-season moves between ISL clubs in 2015

It’s that time of the year when Indian football takes centre stage once again. After the success of the inaugural edition, the Indian Super League is expected to be bigger and better. This year the quality of the league is expected to improve both on and off the field. Teams have brought in some high-quality players and there have been changes in the corporate structure of the clubs as well. Last season was a competitive campaign and this year, things are expected to be the same. Teams strengthened during the off-season bringing in new foreign and Indian players. The first ever auction took place as well where Indian captain Sunil Chhetri fetched the highest amount. In the off-season, teams set up camps abroad and played friendlies with foreign sides.With just a day left to go before the start of the season, here’s looking at some of the big transfers that took place in the off-season. 

#1 Fikru Teferra - Atletico de Kolkata to Chennaiyin FC

Through his goals, his celebrations and his antics off the field, Fikru Teferra became the toast of ISL Season 1. He began his time at Atletico de Kolkata in a perfect manner as he scored in the first two games. But things began to go downhill thereafter.

A lack of form coupled with his team’s bad run eventually culminated in Fikru falling out with Atletico coach Antonio Habas. Things became so bad that there was talk of releasing him midway through the campaign. Further, he wasn’t even part of the matchday squad for the final.

It was all but certain that the Ethiopian striker was not going to be retained by the Sourav Ganguly owned side. As expected he was released and Fikru quickly finalized a deal with Chennaiyin FC.

Post season one of the ISL, Fikru was plying his trade with South African side Bidvest Wits and made a name there. With Chennaiyin taking on Atletico in the first game of season 2, Fikru will be keen to continue his good form and also prove a point to his former employers.