One of the successful clubs in India, Bengaluru FC has always lived upto the expectations of their fans but went wrong last season. The Blues finished in 7th position and failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in their ISL history. Former ISL champions have made a revamp and are eyeing for another successful season under the reigns of head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli. Let us have a look at their forein contingents for the upcoming ISL!
1) ALAN COSTA – BRAZIL(30) – CB
This 30-year-old centre-back started his career and spent almost the major part of his career in Brazil itself. A well built defender who is 6 feet 4 inch tall will surely give an upper hand for the BFC in defense. He joined BFC on a 2-year loan deal from Avaí FC and has made appearances in AFC cup competitions for the blues. He made his debut for the Bengaluru FC against Maldivian side, Club Eagles. Later he also represented the blues in their AFC group stage matches against Bashundhara Kings, ATK Mohun Bagan and Maziya S&RC.
2) YRONDU MUSAVU-KING – GABON(29) – CB
Hailing from Gabon, King started his career with Stade Malherbe Caen a professional club which currently competes in Ligue 2. This 29-year-old central defender comes with a handful of experiences playing for top clubs in top European leagues. He has plied his trade across Europe namely in France, Spain and Italy. He joined Bengaluru FC from Le Mans, currently playing in Championnat National and debuted in the blue during their AFC cup campaign. King can play as both right and left stopper-back and his height of 186cm adds to defensive capabilities. With immense experience in top leagues around Europe, King assures stability to the Bengaluru defense if he could maintain his form.
3) IMAN BASAFA – IRAN(29)- DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER
Basafa, who will fill the AFC Quota of BFC, is an Iranian professional footballer. He was signed for the blues from Machine Sazi, a club which competes in the Persian Gulf Pro League, the first tier league in Iran. Basafa is a defensive midfielder, who loves to sit deep and help defense throughout the game. In addition to that he has the ability to win midfield battles and is good with his tackles as well. Iman Basafa started his career with Aluminium Arak in 2012 and has never been out of Iran and so India will be a fresh challenge for him. Basafa has played around 160 professional games and also has made an appearance in the AFC Champions League for FC Esteghlal. His defensive abilities, which he has shown throughout his career, will give him a very crucial role in the midfield of BFC.
4) BRUNO RAMIRES – BRAZIL(27) – CENTRAL MIDFIELDER
Bruno Ramires is a young yet versatile midfielder who will always make his presence felt on the pitch. Bruno started his career from Cruzeiro, a Brazilian club in 2013 and was part of the squad which won the Brazilian domestic double. After his spell at Cruzeiro, he joined Portuguese side Moreirenes and then returned to Brazil. He joined Portuguese first division club Belenenses and from there he signed for the blues. He has a 2 year contract with Bengaluru FC which will keep him with Marco Pezzaiouli’s side until the end of 2022-23 season. This Brazilian midfielder will provide creativity to the BFC midfield and with proper teamwork he will be able to secure more goals and assists to his bag.
5) CLEITON SILVA – BRAZIL(34) – FORWARD
Cleiton Silva has already spent a season with blues, made 18 appearances in ISL and contributed 7 goals and 6 assists. He spent most of his career in Thailand. Silva started off with Thai club BEC Tero Sasana in 2012 and in his first season itself Cleiton won the Thai League T1 Golden Boot. Apart from Thailand he has also plied his trade in Mexico and China and is well versed with the Asian conditions. This versatile player can play as right and left winger and as a centre-forward as well. In the previous season, Cleiton played an important role in BFC’s attack, providing the team with 13 goal contributions from his side. Silva is a versatile player who can play at different positions in the frontline and will be eagerly looking forward to contributing to the team.
6) PRINCE IBARA – CONGO(25) – FORWARD
Bengaluru FC signed the Congolese striker Prince from the Ligue 2 side Chateauroux on a 2-year deal with an option to extend for one more year. Ibara started his career from ACNFF in Congo, later had spells at clubs in Gabon and Tunisia. In 2017 he joined the Qatari side Al-Wakrah, made 6 appearances and scored a goal for them. Within this young age he has already made about 100 appearances in professional football and with the experience of playing in different countries around the globe, he surely will make an impact in the league. India will be a new challenge for him and with his new team he will be aiming to get better.
- NAVYA
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