Mohun Bagan Super Giant have announced the arrival of former Mumbai City FC attacking midfielder Greg Stewart. The 34-year-old, who joins from Scottish club Kilmarnock FC, has signed a one-year deal with the club.
Stewart is a well-known figure in the Indian Super League (ISL), having played for both Jamshedpur FC and Mumbai City. He comes with a strong pedigree, having won the ISL Shield with both clubs and being a crucial component of their teams.
For Bagan, the addition of Stewart further boosts their already exciting attack, as he is set to play behind both Dimitri Petratos and Jason Cummings. Speaking to the Mohun Bagan media after signing the one-year deal, the Scotsman expressed his delight at joining the club and revealed that playing football in Kolkata was a “lifelong dream.”
"It has been a long dream of mine to play in Kolkata - the mecca of Indian football. I am familiar with most stadiums across the country and have won personal accolades as well as championships during my time in Indian football. However, to play for a historic and legacy-rich club like Mohun Bagan and don the famous colours of Green and Maroon will be a completely different feeling," Stewart said (via MBSG Media)
In his first season in India, Stewart recorded the most assists in the league (10) and scored 11 goals for Jamshedpur FC, helping the club win the league title against all odds. He was awarded the ISL Hero of the League award for his achievements.
Following a successful campaign, the midfielder moved to Mumbai City FC under Des Buckingham, where he continued to excel and played a key role in their record-breaking season. After Buckingham’s departure, Stewart returned to Scotland during the January transfer window last term, but after just half a season, he is now returning to India.
An overview of Mohun Bagan Super Giant’s transfer window
Mohun Bagan’s transfer window has ensured that they have further strengthened their squad for the upcoming season. The reigning ISL champions started the summer with a massive coup by acquiring Mumbai City’s star midfielder Apuia, making him the highest-paid player in the league.
After releasing defenders Hector Yuste and Brendan Hamill, the Mariners quickly secured replacements in Tom Aldred and Alberto Rodriguez. The club also let go of Armando Sadiku, Hugo Boumous, and Joni Kauko, with Greg Stewart being one of the replacements, while they are also heavily rumored to sign Jamie Maclaren, the top scorer in A-League history.
Amid the ongoing saga surrounding Anwar Ali, Bagan will also need to add depth to their midfield, given the departures of Kiyan Nassiri and Lalrinliana Hnamte. More transfers are potentially on the horizon, but the Mariners have certainly strengthened their key positions for the upcoming season as they aim to retain their title.