I-League 2017, East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan: 5 transfers between the Kolkata giants that angered the fans

An age-old football rivalry, dividing a vibrant city in two halves every time a match between these two sides is played. East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan has that feeling of being more than just your regular football derby. It was and will always be more than just a local derby. In Kolkata, there is no bigger issue to sort than this and no bigger unifier than this match.

It is obvious that when two clubs have such a passionate following, players representing them are elevated into local heroes. But when these heroes shift loyalties from one rival to another, all love gets lost and a new chapter gets written in the rivalry folklore. Ahead of the latest Kolkata Derby on Sunday, let's take a look at the five East Bengal - Mohun Bagan transfers which riled-up the local fans.

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#5 Bhaichung Bhutia

Bhaichung Bhutia caused a huge uproar when he joined Mohun Bagan in 2004

The Sikkimese Sniper or the first Indian footballing superstar of this century, Bhaichung Bhutia joined East Bengal at the young age of 16. After a short spell with JCT, he returned to East Bengal and continued his goalscoring form which earned him a move to Bury.

Bhutia returned to India and shockingly, joined Mohun Bagan for a short-term deal. It turned out to be an unfortunate one for the striker as he battled with injuries during his entire Bagan stint.

East Bengal fans were livid with Bhutia's decision but soon changed their mind when he returned for his third spell with the Red and Golds. Bhutia captained the Red and Golds this time around and won the ASEAN Club Championship.

#4 Renedy Singh

Renedy Singh played for both the Kolkata giants

A consistent player for the Indian national team, Renedy Singh was considered by many as one of India's most talented wingers. Singh signed his first professional contract with East Bengal in 1997. The Manipuri attacker impressed and an Indian call-up followed soon at the age of 18.

But he took a surprising decision in 2000 as he left East Bengal to join their eternal rivals, Mohun Bagan. It became a big news at that time but Singh had suggested that it was a professional move. His transfer paid dividends as the ambidextrous winger won the National League title in his first year. He had a successful time with the Mariners but managed to irk the East Bengal supporters to great lengths because of his move.

#3 Dulal Biswas

A brilliant fullback during the 90s, Biswas is one of the very few players who have captained both - East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. The fullback joined East Bengal in 1993 and slowly raised his importance within the club. He was named the captain in 1997, his last year with the club.

Two years later, Biswas, a fan favourite, decided to give the Red and Gold fan base a shock of their lives. Biswas joined Mohun Bagan and then went on to play for six seasons with the club. He won the league with Mohun Bagan and was the captain of the side in 2002.

#2 Chima Okorie

One of India's greatest ever imports

The Nigerian is rightfully considered as one of the best imports to play football in India. An architecture student, Okorie started playing football in India itself and earned himself a move to East Bengal in 1987. He quickly became a fan favourite at the Kolkata Maidan during his stint with the club.

His physical presence and an eye for goal made Mohun Bagan desperate to sign him and in 1991, Okorie became the first foreigner to play for the Kolkata giants. Okorie was a brilliant striker and top scored 7 times in 12 seasons in the Calcutta Football League, a record still being left untouched.

There was a huge uproar in the East Bengal section when Okorie joined Mohun Bagan but with time the hate mellowed down as the Nigerian became one of the only few players to be loved equally by the bitter enemies.

#1 Katsumi Yusa

Katsumi's transfer to East Bengal has made this season's Kolkata derby exciting

This summer saw a huge development happen in Indian football as Katsumi Yusa - a Mohun Bagan cult figure decided to cross boundaries and join East Bengal. Yusa's transfer has added an extra spice to this season's Kolkata derby with the Japanese midfielder set to receive a hostile reception from the Mohun Bagan fans during tomorrow's derbies.

Katsumi played 78 times for Mohun Bagan and won two major honours with the club during his four-year stay. He has been playing in India for the past six years and has seen his popularity soar since his move to Mohun Bagan.

Though that has changed drastically (at least in one part of Kolkata) with his decision to join the Red and Gold. East Bengal are determined to beat their rivals to the I-League title this time around and Katsumi Yusa can play a huge role in their quest for a league title.