The Indian Super League side Mumbai City FC are now associated with the City Football Group. The group, which owns Premier League giants Manchester City, have now stepped into India’s potentially lucrative market by purchasing 65% stakes in Mumbai City FC. Mumbai City became the 8th club to join the ever expanding City Group which owns stakes in clubs in the United States, Australia, Japan, China, Uruguay and recently Belgium.
The whole indian football fraternity awaits as the City Football Group are about to work their magic in the transfer window. The group has 8 clubs other than the Islanders under their ownership and we can expect quite a few exchange of players between these clubs and Mumbai City. Melbourne City’s Joshua Brilliante has already been linked with Mumbai City FC and we take a look at 5 other players whom Mumbai can sign from its sister clubs.
1) LACHLAN WALES (MELBOURNE CITY FC)
Lachlan wales is an Australian U-23 international who came through the Central Coast Mariners academy. Wales played 84 matches and netted 16 goals for the Mariners academy side and was promoted to the senior side in 17/18 season but failed to make a mark. In June 2018, Wales signed a two year deal with the City Group owned side which expired recently. Lachlan is one perfect candidate Mumbai should set their sights on as the winger slot at the club is currently vacant. Lachlan Wales is one of the first names in the teamsheet at Melbourne City, and CFG will have to pull all the strings behind the scenes to make this deal possible.
Wales is no stranger to India as he was a part of the Melbourne squad which travelled to Kochi to take on Kerala blasters and La liga side Girona in a pre-season tournament and he found the back of the net against Kerala Blasters. It will be a masterstroke if Mumbai are able to land the speedster as he fills the mandatory Asian slot as well.
2) GEDION ZELALEM (NEW YORK CITY FC)
Gedion Zelalem is a 23 year old German born American central midfielder who has already had stints at clubs like Arsenal and Rangers. Even though Zelalem has been part of some top clubs, he hasn’t played many matches for either of them. The skillful American might consider a move on loan to the subcontinent as it might help him revive his career. Mumbai City should try to get him on-board as he has the potential to take the Indian Super League by storm. With the City Group’s influence, this deal really looks possible and the clubs won’t probably have any problem agreeing terms as it’s a win-win situation for both the parties.
3) ROBIN HENKENS (LOMMEL SK)
Robin Henkens is a 31 year old Belgian midfielder who spent his youth career at famous Belgian side KRC Genk and now plays for Lommel SK, which was recently acquired by the City Group. Having played for so many years, Henkens has never played outside his country and he is one of Lommel’s consistent performers. Mumbai offers a whole new experience for Henkens, and as his existing contract with Lommel has expired, he might be tempted to join the Islanders if the offer is decent enough.