The African players continued their dominance among the foreign recruits of the upcoming season 2019-20, but their percentage, especially the Nigerians, has decreased than the previous seasons, while the Asian players, mainly from the central zone, continued to rise in numbers in Bangladesh football.
A total record 64 foreign players from 25 countries have been signed by the 13 Bangladesh Premier League clubs by the deadline of the transfer window Thursday, which saw a notable increase in foreign defenders, and national players as well.
Since the introduction of the professional league in 2007, majority of the foreign players were Africans, but this time around, their percentage has decreased, notably the Nigerians.
This season, the number of foreign players’ quota in each club has increased from four to five, while the number of clubs also extended to 13.
There were 24 African players from six countries, including 14 from Nigeria, out of a total of 51 players signed by 12 clubs before last season.
The six-time top-flight league winner Abahani Limited focused on improving their defence from last season while preparing their squad for the next as the Sky Blues completed their players registration formalities on the transfer deadline day Wednesdayhttps://t.co/kxgnsp87H4#BFF
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 20, 2019
The number of Nigerian players has decreased to 12 this time, while footballers from the African countries rose to nine, including Egypt.
There were 14 Asian players in 12 clubs last season but this time, 19 have been signed by 13 teams, including five from Kyrgyzstan, four each from Japan and Tajikistan and three from Uzbekistan.
Six national players of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan will be playing in Bangladesh, including the captain of the latter, in Bashundhara Kings.
The distinguished feature among the foreign recruits this season is the increase of defenders.
All the clubs except Saif Sporting Club have signed foreign defenders.
#Bashundhara Kings bolster defence https://t.co/K53Z0zRWVO
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) November 19, 2019
Bashundhara, Arambagh KS, Bangladesh Muktijoddha SKC, Chittagong Abahani Limited, Mohammedan SCL, Rahmatganj MFS, Brothers Union, Police FC and Uttar Baridhara Club all signed two foreign defenders each.
Sheikh Russel KC head coach Saiful Bari Titu predicted a more competitive league next season.
“If the defence is good, there would be fewer goals. Some matches could turn out to be dull affairs but the quality and standard of the game will be better. There are more national players from Asian countries, which is a positive thing. I think, overall, next season would be more competitive,” said Titu.
When asked how the increase of quality foreign players, especially defenders, would leave an impact on the local players, Titu replied, “It depends on the local players, how they cope with the situation. There are positives if they want to take and improve their game.”
Foreign recruits
Bashundhara: Winger Daniel Colindres (Costa Rica), Midfielder Baktyiar Duishobekov (Kyrgyzstan), Striker Mohamed Jalal Kdouh (Lebanon), Defenders Nicolas Delmonte (Argentina) and Akhtam Nazarov (Tajikistan).
Abahani: Winger Kervens Belfort (Haiti), Striker Sunday Chizoba (Nigeria), Defenders Mailson Alves (Brazil) and Alaaeldin Eissa (Egypt), Midfielder Edgar Bernhardt (Kyrgyzstan).
Sheikh Russel: Striker Raphael Odoyin (Nigeria), Midfielders Alisher Azizov (Uzbekistan) and Christopher Herd (Australia), Defender Alison Udoka (Nigeria), Striker Pedro Herique Cortes (Brazilian-born Timorese).
Saif Sporting: Forward Deiner Cordoba (Colombia), Attacking Midfielder Jahongir Ergashev (Tajikistan), Midfielders Emery Bayisenge (Rwanda), Fayia Kobba (Sierra Leone) and Murolimzhon Akhmedov (Kyrgyzstan).
Sheikh Jamal: Forward Solomon King (Gambia), Striker Ballo Famoussa (Ivory Coast), Midfielders Yusuke Kato (Japan) and Pa Omar Jobe (Gambia), Defender Osagie Monday (Nigeria).
Arambagh: Striker Eleta Kingsley (Nigeria), Midfielder Mostafa Mahmud (Egypt), Defenders Yonta Michael (Cameroon) and Eleta Benjamin Jnr (Nigeria).
Muktijoddha: Striker Biyaga Paul Emile (Cameroon), Forward Ismail Bangoura (Guinea), Midfielder Norito Hashiguchi (Japan), Defenders Albert Frank (Brazil) and Cyrill Chetachi Oriaku (Nigeria).
Ctg Abahani: Midfielder Jean Charles Didier (Ivory Coast), Forwards Chinedu Mathew (Nigeria) and Nixon Guylherme (Brazil), Defenders Ikbol Jon (Uzbekistan) and Pulatov Shukurali (Uzbekistan).
Mohammedan: Forward Souleymane Diabate (Mali), Midfielders Uryu Nagata (Japan), Winger Ugochukwu Obi Moneke (Nigeria), Defenders Ousmane Berthe (Mali) and Stanley Amadi (Nigeria).
Rahmatganj: Defenders Camara Younoussa (Guinea) and Acpopob Asrorov (Tajikistan), Forwards Momodou Bah (Gambia) and Turaev Akobir, Striker Igwe Kastan (Nigeria).
Brothers: Centerbacks Lancine Toure (Ivory Coast) and Jae-hyeong Park (Japan), Midfielders Muayad Khalid (Iraq) and Mohammed Osman Abdelaty (Egypt), Striker James Moga (Sudan).
Police: Strikers Luka Rotkovic (Montenegro) and Sidney Rivera (USA/Puerto Rico), Midfielder Antonio Laskov (Bulgaria), Centerbacks Aidar Mambetaliev (Kyrgyzstan) and Artur Muladjanov (Kyrgyzstan).
Baridhara: Forward Landing Darboe (Gambia), Striker Leonardo Lima (Brazil), Midfielder Simon Obioma Chukwu (Nigeria), Defenders Sangare Issouf (Ivory Coast) and Forkatjon Khasanboev (Tajikistan).
