I-League: Top five winter signings so far

The winter transfer window in Europe shut down yesterday but the Indian version, which started from January 15, remains open till February 15. Thus there is still plenty of time for some more deals to go through but here are the top five signings so far.

Note: Only the signings that were completed in the winter window (on or after January 15) are being considered. The list is not in any particular order.

Tolgay Ozbey (Dempo)

Photo Credit: AIFF Media

The Australian turned out to be a big flop at both Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting after a successful two-year spell at East Bengal. He was in talks with United SC after being released by Mohammedan but eventually signed for Dempo largely due to the presence of compatriot Arthur Papas. Tolgay is still far from full fitness but looked revitalised under Papas during the Federation Cup as he scored three goals in two games. The 27-year-old forward could solve Dempo’s goal-scoring problems as the Goan club have managed only 13 in 15 I-League matches so far.

Cristian Lagos (Churchill Brothers)

The Costa Rican international comes to Churchill Brothers with a huge reputation as he used to be one of the most prolific goal scorers in the Costa Rican top tier. Lagos has played for several big clubs in Costa Rica but was most consistent during his stint at Santos de Guapiles. The 29-year-old forward has a couple caps for Costa Rica and is still hopeful of playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. But first Lagos will aim to be consistent for his new club in both their I-League survival battle and AFC Cup campaign.

Steven Dias (Rangdajied United)

The right midfielder has been out of the national team since 2011 but his quality from crosses and set-pieces remains unquestioned. Dias played his part in Churchill Brothers’ I-League triumph last season but then moved to Mumbai Tigers in the summer. However the Mumbai club pulled out from the I-League and then the second division to put the future of their players in doubt. Relegation-threatened Rangdajied capitliased by signing the 30-year-old and the former Mahindra United man will be looking to help the Shillong club avoid the drop in their debut campaign.

Dudu Omagbemi (Salgaocar)

One of the best foreigners to have ever played in India returns after almost seven years as the Nigerian is set to feature for Salgaocar in the second half of the season. Dudu had a phenomenal goal-scoring record during his stint at Sporting Clube de Goa and helped them finish runners-up in the league once and Federation Cup twice. After that Dudu had spells in the top tiers of Poland, Hungary and most recently Finland. His arrival gives much-needed firepower to Salgaocar’s attack which had been over dependent on Scotsman Darryl Duffy, who has scored just twice in his last 12 games.

CK Vineeth (Bengaluru FC)

The India international was highly consistent for United SC over 18 months and even finished as the highest scorer among Indians in the 2012-13 I-League with seven goals. The excellent club form earned Vineeth a call-up to the senior national team and he remains a part of Wim Koevermans’ plans but United SC were struggling to hold on to him due to their financial problems. Many clubs were after the 25-year-old but eventually Bengaluru FC secured his signature. The addition of Vineeth gives another dimension to Bengaluru’s attack and could prove to be decisive in the title race.