Chennaiyin FC is expected to retain the services of Brazilian star Elano Blumer and Colombian forward John Stiven Mendoza for the coming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The duo was instrumental in the club’s run to the semifinals of the inaugural edition of the league.
Elano, since wining the Golden Boot (eight goals) in the ISL, has joined Brazilian side Santos on a short contract till April this year. Mendoza (four goals) is also currently playing in Brazil for Corinthians. Chennaiyin has also included the names of French defender Bernard Mendy, currently contracted with AEL Limassol in the Cypriot league, Spaniard Cristian Hidalgo and Brazilian Bruno Pelissari in its list of retainees submitted to the ISL management.
All the eight ISL teams were entitled to name 11 players (five foreigners and six Indians) they wish to retain for the 2015 season by March 1. The clubs will have the first right to sign these players.
Indian forwards Jeje Lalpekhlua and Balwant Singh have also made it to Chennaiyin’s list, along with defenders Dhanachandra Singh, Abhishek Das and midfielders Harmanjot Singh Khabra and Jayesh Rane.
Meanwhile, FC Pune City, which has named Greek World Cupper Kostas Katsouranis, Bruno Cirillo, Jermaine Pennant, Krisztian Vadcoz and John Goossens, is on the lookout for a new marquee signing.
“David Trezeguet has retired from all forms of football. Hence we need to sign a new marquee player. We are in talks with a few international stars and hopefully something should be finalised soon,” Gaurav Modwel, FC Pune City CEO said.
ISL, which is not having an international players draft for the second season, is expected to hold the national players draft sometime in June, with teams given time till early September to finalise their foreign recruits.
