5 ISL signings that should have never taken place

A World Cup winner and one of the greatest full-backs to ever play the game, it was a dream come true for Indian football fans to watch Roberto Carlos in action. While many thought the speedy footballer would replicate the magic and sent them into seventh-heaven, but what he actually wasn't even in the realm of magic. Instead, the player-cum-coach featured in just three matches for the Delhi Dynamos FC, with his fitness getting the better of him as the Brazilian looked ill-at-ease among players much younger than him. But, that’s not even the worst part!

Just before the semi-final against FC Goa during the 2015 Indian Super League, Roberto informed that he would not return to India for a second season. As a matter of fact, the former Real Madrid player, along with other Brazilian players from the squad was in a state of conflict of interest with the management with their payment structure. As per sources, there was confusion among the players and coach between net and gross wages. That meant Roberto’s Carlos’ stint in Indian football was cut short and it felt like a story that should have never happened.

Once a potent force in East Bengal’s line-up, Cavin Lobo was a crafty playmaker, known for his ability to outwit rival defenders often and fire long-range screamers with his gem of a left foot. The Goa-based footballer was roped in by ATK in the first season of the Indian Super League on loan. It was in his debut match that he scored two goals against FC Goa, following which his form dipped drastically and Lobo was benched for most of the season. In anticipation of a change in fortunes, Lobo shifted to Kerala Blasters FC the next season, but the story was a similar one. He wowed and shocked the league for one match, where he scored once and assisted another before fading away once again.

No doubt he was one of the biggest signings in the second edition of the Indian Super League, if not the biggest. Fresh from his exploits in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Postiga was destined to reach great heights in Indian football. His debut in the inaugural match of the season was eventful, even though it was a forgettable one for him. The Portuguese scored a couple of goals but suffered a lethal injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season. ATK (Atletico de Kolkata back then) were kicking themselves at that point of time, having built the team around the marquee player.

There has been a trend of bringing in successful I-League players by ISL sides ever since the latter was created. While the positive side of playing alongside top-quality players outweighs the negatives, yet the latter cannot be ignored with Jobby Justin a key example. The striker fared brilliantly with the Red and Gold brigade in the 2018-19 editions, having struck nine goals and helped them finish as the runners-up. Lucrative offers are hard to put down and subsequently, he was shipped to ISL outfits ATK, but there begins a sad story.

The Spanish defender was already 36 years old the time he was roped in by Northeast United FC as the marquee player for the inaugural season. A successful player during his prime, having been a part of Spain’s World Cup-winning squad in 2010. Apparently, it was a big signing for the Indian club, but the Capdevila’s tiring legs had a different tale to tell altogether. Even though he started in 12 matches for the Highlanders, he was hardly effective and could not inspire his team to a top-four finish.