ISL 2017/18: 5 European stars who could still sign for Indian clubs after the closure of January transfer window

Despite the European transfer window being shut on the 31st of January, ISL clubs can still try and sign recruitments for the remainder of the season. The reason for that is because the transfer window in the country is open until February 15 and hence the clubs can look for players from around the globe to solve the issues within the squad.

Though not many clubs have a place left for signing a foreign recruit, the teams are offloading some of their current underperforming stars to make way for the fresh faces. In this segment, we will look at five such players from around Europe who can still be signed by the ISL sides:

---

#5 Patrice Evra

A Champions League winner with Manchester United, Patrice Evra is currently without a club since November. He was suspended by Marseille after the Frenchman kicked a fan during training. UEFA banned him for seven months as Evra is now unable to play in Europe until June 30.

This has opened the prospect of Evra joining an ISL side for a short spell just to get a hint of the football played in a foreign country and also to keep him in perfect condition to look for a club in the summer. A move to India can prove to be a perfect opportunity for the left back and it will also give the Indian supporters a chance to see a player of Evra's ilk playing in the ISL.

#4 Jeremy Toulalan

Toulalan left Bordeaux last week

The French defensive midfielder has been a free agent for just over a week after he sensationally left Bordeaux in support of his just sacked manager Jocelyn Gourvennec. He can prove to be an inspired signing for many of the clubs looking to make a late entry into the playoff spots.

The reason being that at the age of 34, Toulalan was still recently playing in one of the topmost leagues in the world and could prove to be a handy customer. He can also play in the heart of the defence which makes him an even more exciting prospect to look at.

#3 Joleon Lescott

Lescott was released by Sunderland in July last year

The former Manchester City defender has been a free agent since the summer of 2017. He last played for Sunderland in England's second division. Lescott is said to be keen on lengthening his playing career with ISL still being an option for the veteran.

This season has witnessed a huge number of players and managers arrive in the ISL having a connection with the Premier League. So, it would not be a big surprise if Lescott comes to India to play for the remainder of the season. Delhi Dynamos will benefit from his arrival if signed as they look to be bereft of confidence at the moment in their backline.

#2 Mirko Vucinic

Vucinic last played for Al Jazira

The Montenegro international was a regular for Juventus and AS Roma in the past decade. Currently a free agent, Vucinic is actively looking for a club and has been training back in his homeland. The 34-year-old last played for Al Jazira but was released in July last year because of his injury problems.

In his inaugural season in the Middle East, Vucinic scored 25 goals and was a huge hit among the supporters. Though his knee problems have hampered his latter part of the career, Vucinic is now fit and actively finding a new club. NorthEast United, who are struggling for goals at the moment, can solve their issues with the signing of Vucinic who also has a point to prove at this moment.

#1 Alex Song

Song is currently training with Arsenal

Any ISL club will do anything to sign a player having 190 Premier League appearances and close to 50 Champions League starts. Alex Song is that player who can prove to be a massive signing for any club in India. Still only 30, Song has a number of years left in his professional career and if signed, has all the tools to be a statement signing for the league.

The midfielder is currently training with Arsenal and has been a free agent after being released by Rubin Kazan. He is looking for a club at the moment and if any team from the ISL can provide him with a decent enough offer, Song can soon be seen playing in the country.