5 Players who are unlikely to remain with their present ISL club in season 2020-21

With the sixth edition of India's top-tier league almost over, the clubs will again be on the search for players to add to their roster. While a few clubs have already signed pre-contracts, others are on the verge of finalizing deals.

However, as new faces make their way into the limelight, a host of players will be shown the exit door. In other cases, players will switch sides in search of greener pastures.

The ongoing season of the ISL has witnessed numerous players with high expectations failing to meet their objectives. On the other hand, there have been stellar performances from the least expected areas, rescuing their teams out of trouble.

There arises scope of transfer if the player does not fit into the system, or he feels the need for better playing conditions.

Here, we look at five ISL players who are unlikely to remain with their present club due to a possible transfer or a flopped season.

#5 Francisco Dorronsoro (Odisha FC)

Francisco Dorronsoro joined Odisha FC (then Delhi Dynamos) before the 2018-19 season and has played 24 matches for the outfit so far. The 34-year-old has made 63 saves from the 95 shots on target faced.

However, being the only foreign keeper in the league, Dorronosoro's time in the ISL might be over. For the last few seasons, the coaches in the league have relied on Indian goalkeepers to field all the five foreign player quotas in advanced roles.

The Spanish custodian has played nine games this season and made 19 saves and conceded 13 goals. Even when on the bench he can be of no use if the team has used two of their substitutions as he cannot replace an Indian goalkeeper. Against ATK, Josep Gombau had to take off Dorronsoro to play a fifth foreigner, Martin Perez, in the second half.

If the Spanish coach follows his fellow competitors, Francisco Dorronsoro might be playing his last season in the ISL.

#4 Jose Leudo - NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United signed Jose Leudo on a two-year contract in 2018, which is to expire in May this year. If the club decides against renewing the same, which is the more probable event, the Colombian will be playing his final game for the Highlanders next week.

Leudo has played 32 matches for The Highlanders in two seasons and scored one goal, against Jamshedpur FC, earlier this month. After an impressive first season, the midfielder failed to meet his targets this term as he couldn't control the proceedings from the center of the park.

Leudo was dropped to the bench for the first first time in nine games when they traveled to Kochi in late December. Except for the two suspended games and as many benched matches, he has featured in every game.

However, with Robert Jarni sacked and no update on his successor, Leudo continuing with the John Abraham-owned side is unlikely. The midfielder still can be a handy asset to ISL clubs trying to rope in a foreign central midfielder to partner an experienced Indian player.

#3 Vlatko Drobarov - Kerala Blasters

Vlatko Drobarov joined Kerala Blasters as a replacement for Jairo Rodrigues, injured midway through the season. A sudden shift to a new environment might have hindered the defender's performance as he was a troubled presence at the backline for the Blasters.

However, as Gianni Zuiverloon recovered from injury and joined Drobarov in the defence, the Macedonian produced far better displays to regain the gaffer's trust. From 12 matches, Drobarov scored one goal, completed 25 tackles, and made 75 clearances.

Even with his part done decently, the road ahead at Blasters looks difficult for the center-back for a plethora of reasons.

Gianni Zuiverloon has been a vital presence at the back, capable of shifting to an advanced role when required. Long term absentee Sandesh Jhingan is expected to return next season and will be followed by another foreign signing in the defence, as per recent rumors. Jessel Carneiro and Mohammed Rakip are also shining players in Eelco Schattorie's backline.

Drobarov is the most likely player to be replaced if a new foreign signing comes into the defense, for the coach wouldn't want three foreigners at the back.

#2 Martin Chaves - NorthEast United FC

NorthEast United FC had a lot of expectations from Martin Chaves ahead of the season. The center-forward, however, had a dry patch in India, with only one goal from 17 games. Chaves could provide three assists through the season but never turned to be a help for his side's troubles before goal.

The 21-year-old found the back of the net from his 32 shots and had too much pressure and responsibilities on his shoulders after Asamoah Gyan's injury. Still, the Uruguayan missed a lot of easy chances, deepening Robert Jarni's woes.

With most of the Guwahati-based club's forwards disappointing, the management is expected not to renew Chaves' contract expiring at the end of May. If the club opts for a renewed face with a new appointee at the helm, a few of NorthEast's players might be leaving at the end of the season.

Chaves looked far better and dangerous with the presence of Gyan guiding and leading him. If the youngster can again get some playing time under a veteran, he might nurture himself into a top-notch finisher.

#1 Tiri - Jamshedpur FC

Tiri joined ATK in 2015 and played two seasons with the Kolkata-club before moving to Jamshedpur FC for the 2017-18 season. After spending three seasons at Jamshedpur, the Spaniard is all set for another move in the ISL as he has signed a pre-contract with Kerala Blasters.

Tiri has played a total of 72 ISL games and completed 157 tackles and 606 clearances. The 28-year-old has appeared in 12 matches this season, making 27 tackles and 100 clearances.

Even without numbers, Tiri is a proven campaigner in Indian football and was a hot prospect amongst numerous ISL clubs. The center-back will join Blasters to play alongside Sandesh Jhingan and Gianni Zuiverloon at the heart of the defense.

Despite being a standout performer for the Red Miners, he could not drive his side into a deserving playoff spot in any of the three seasons. The former Atletico Madrid B player is currently out with an injury he suffered during JFC's game against Kerala Blasters.

Tiri's contract at Jamshedpur will expire at the end of the season and will be putting pen to paper at Kochi for the upcoming season.

Edited by Alan John