Except for the two times they qualified for the playoffs, NorthEast United FC despite being formed during the inception of the Indian Super League has always been at the bottom of the table much to the dismay of their fans. Each season they promise a turn around but they fail to do so.
To bring about a turn in their state of affairs, we have created a list of players whose contracts expire this season and should be acquired by NorthEast United FC to improve their team. These players have played well and are valuable assets to any team who signs them should their contracts not be renewed.
Indian Signings
Ishan Pandita
Ishan Pandita is a rising talent and currently plays for Jamshedpur FC. However, The Men of Steel have had a lackluster performance in the 2022-2023 season of the ISL. But that should not be the yardstick by which he should be judged. He is young and skilled with great room for growth.
In the time he has been playing in the ISL, he has cemented his name as a capable super-sub who can score and create opportunities on multiple occasions against a plethora of opponents. In addition, he has spent considerable time honing his skills in Spain and he brings that knowledge to whichever team he joins.
If he integrates himself into the framework of NorthEast United FC, then his latent skill under the correct guidance can propel him and the team to great heights. His agility as a super-sub will be a great boon to the team.
In addition, his role may change owing to the team’s situation, and take on a more active role in the team and may feature in the starting eleven. He can learn much from senior players and improve himself. Should NorthEast United FC decide to sign him on they will acquire an asset that has the potential to deliver in the matches to come.
Sumit Rathi
This young center-back made a name for himself playing under the banner of ATK. Despite his age, he was a solid defender and would feature in the starting eleven of the erstwhile club. But after the merger of ATK and Mohun Bagan, he has been consistently sidelined in the ISL matches of ATK Mohun Bagan.
But this recent decline should not implicate his skills but rather the presence of better players in the team or changed ideologies and goals of the team. Before the pandemic hit he delivered an amazing performance earning him the Emerging Player of the Year award.
His potential is immense but currently has no opportunity for expression and growth. NorthEast United FC can provide him with the chance and being the hardworking player that he is, he is sure to deliver on the responsibilities he would be undertaking. Sumit Rathi is a player that if acquired by NorthEast United FC would be securing a rising star for the future.
Foreign Signings
Abdenasser el Khayati
The Dutch player of Moroccan origin made his transfer to Chennaiyin FC in the last season and his contract is coming to a close. But in this short time, he has left an indelible mark on the pitch and among fans.
He does not usually feature in the starting eleven and neither does he stay for long on the pitch but he makes every moment count. In his twelve appearances, he has scored 9 goals and assisted in 5 more. This feat makes him one of the top 10 scorers in the 22/23 season.
El Khayati would be an invaluable asset to NEUFC. He is ferocious and has very accurate goal scores, characteristics that NEUFC is in desperate need of. The energy and drive he would bring would take NEUFC a long way. Playing for NEUFC would require him to devote more minutes on the pitch.
NEUFC may be in need of a replacement for Wilmar Gil whose contract too will expire this year and may not extend it for the 23-24 season. An experienced and skilled player will be invaluable for NEUFC should he be available for signing.
Slavko Damjanovic
Serbian center-back Slavko Damjanovic has been part of ATK Mohun Bagan’s squad in the 22/23 season of the ISL, and his contract with them has now expired. He makes for an imposing figure and is capable enough to play all matches in the Super Cup.
He has displayed his craft in a number of matches in the ISL, especially during his tenure with Chennaiyin FC where he was part of the starting eleven in every match. In addition, playing under Juan Ferrando has improved him as a player.
As he is a free transfer now it would be cost-effective for NorthEast United to sign him on before another team acquires him. As Aaron Evans’ contract will be expiring soon, unless they extend his contract, it would be crucial for them to sign him on. He has the skill and experience to be a very effective defender and should be signed on by NorthEast United FC.
Follow IFTWC for the latest updates on Indian Football.
