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Last year I-League clubs refused to loan out players to IMG-Reliance for the Indian Super League but the scenario changed quickly as four clubs (East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mumbai FC, Rangdajied United) all agreed to be a part of the new league. 30 of the 84 players in the ISL domestic draft were actually loanees from those I-League clubs. They were distributed among six franchises and now each player would belong to their respective franchise for four months. Each I-League loanee has a fee which the franchise has to pay during the four-month period. Sportskeeda lists the top five expensive I-League loanees.
#5 Dhanachandra Singh 22.5 lakh
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The versatile defender from Manipur had two consistent campaigns for United Sports Club and thus was the subject of a bidding war between arch-rivals Mohun Bagan and East Bengal this summer. Eventually he joined Mohun Bagan and at the ISL draft he was Bengaluru’s second pick. Dhanachandra’s ability to play anywhere in the backline will make him a valuable member of the Sun Group-owned franchise.
Team: Bengaluru
Position: Left/Centre/Right Back
Draft pick: Round 2
#4 Jeje Lalpekhlua 23 lakh
The 23-year-old forward’s career has stalled in the last two years following an injury. He failed to become a regular at Dempo last season and thus lost his place in the India national team. Jeje has now joined Mohun Bagan and has promised to revive his career at the Kolkata club. He was Bengaluru’s third pick but it remains to be seen how much gametime the Mizoram lad gets with the franchise expected to get foreign strikers.
Team: Bengaluru
Position: Forward
Draft pick: Round 3
#3 Arnab Mondal 25 lakh
The East Bengal man has established himself as one of the best defenders in the country with consistent displays in the I-League. He made his senior international debut in August 2013 and since then has featured in every match of the national team. Atletico de Kolkata will have foreign centre-backs too but in order to have a local flavour, Arnab could still have a role to play in the Sourav Ganguly-co-owned franchise.
Team: Atletico de Kolkata
Position: Centre Back
Draft pick: Round 2
#2 Lalrindika Ralte 27.5 lakh
The East Bengal medio has proved to be a match winner during his time so far at the Kolkata club and thus has caught the attention of India coach Wim Koevermans. Lalrindika is part of India U-23’s Asian Games squad and was Mumbai’s second pick. Lalrindika’s ability to score and create goals and versatility should make him an important member of the Mumbai franchise’s first team.
Team: Mumbai
Position: Left/Right/Attacking Midfield
Draft pick: Round 2
#1 Mehtab Hossain 35 lakh
East Bengal’s midfield general has been an inspirational figure for club and country in the last 24 months. Mehtab even rejected trial offers from Spain to keep himself available for national duty and now is all set to play in the ISL also. With former East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan making the decisions for the Kerala Blasters in the draft, it was no surprise to see Mehtab being their first pick and he is expected to be a first-team regular.
Team: Kerala Blasters FC
Position: Centre Midfield
Draft pick: Round 1
