For a long time, Chennaiyin FC was known for its relatively passive approach to the transfer market. However, this summer, they have surprised everyone by aggressively acquiring new talent, securing deals for most of their targets early in the window. With 13 new players joining the ranks – all on free transfers – the team has undergone a significant makeover.
Several promising young domestic players have been brought in, including attackers Gurkirat Singh and Kiyan Nassiri, who previously played for Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, respectively. Both players struggled to find consistent playing time at their former clubs, but Owen Coyle, known for his ability to nurture and develop Indian youngsters, will be hoping to guide them to the next level.
While the departure of left-back Akash Sangwan to FC Goa is a loss, experienced defender Mandar Rao Desai is expected to fill the void. Another departure is veteran Rafael Crivellaro, who leaves after four seasons, his second stint with the club marred by injury issues.
Chennaiyin FC is looking to add creativity and firepower to their attack, and they have brought in Brazilian attacker Lukas Brambilla, who is expected to bring a spark to the team. Wilmar Jordan Gill and Chima Chukwu, two forwards with ISL experience, have also joined the ranks, further bolstering the attack.
In a bid to strengthen the goalkeeping department, out-of-favor Mohammad Nawaz has been added to the squad, creating competition for the starting spot with Samik Mitra. Notably, Coyle has brought in five of his former players from his successful stint at Jamshedpur FC, where he led the team to the ISL League Shield in his second season.
Owen Coyle’s reputation as a successful manager is well-established. This is his fifth season in the ISL, and he has a proven track record of success, including three playoff appearances and a League Shield victory. Coyle’s teams are known for their work ethic and structured play. He typically employs a 4-2-3-1 formation with a high-pressing strategy aimed at winning possession in the attacking third and creating opportunities in transition. His ability to significantly improve his team’s goal-scoring output was evident during his time with Jamshedpur. In his first season, they scored 21 and conceded 22, but in the title-winning season, their goal scoring doubled (42 goals) while conceding only 21. Coyle will be looking to implement a similar transformation at Chennaiyin, aiming to improve on last season’s record of 26 goals scored and 36 goals conceded.
Chennaiyin’s potential success will depend heavily on the performance of key players like midfielder Connor Shields and central defender Ryan Edwards, who form the backbone of the team. New recruit Jitendra Singh can play multiple roles in midfield and wide areas, while Jiteshwor Singh and Ayush Adhikari provide depth in midfield. It will be a significant season for young Samik, who is expected to be the starting goalkeeper, and one of Wilmar or Chikwu will have to carry the scoring burden. The role of the wide forwards, including Vincey Baretto, Gurkirat, and Nassiri, will be crucial in providing pace and delivering the final ball into the box.
Based on last season’s playoff appearance, the team’s proactive approach in the transfer window, and Coyle’s proven track record, Chennaiyin FC is aiming for more than just a top-six finish. However, they face tough competition from established giants like Mohun Bagan and Mumbai City FC. With FC Goa, Odisha FC, and a heavily-funded East Bengal also vying for the title, Chennaiyin will have to work hard to improve on their sixth-place finish from last season.
Players to watch:
Lukas Brambilla:
Coyle has spoken about how Crivellaro and Greg Stewart, at both CFC and Jamshedpur, respectively, provided that extra spark that turned hardworking teams into winners. Chennaiyin fans will be hoping that Brambilla can replicate that creative influence and become the driving force behind this young side.Bikash Yumnam:
Bikash enjoyed a breakout season as Edwards’ partner in central defense. A strong performance this season will be crucial in improving the team’s defensive record.Transfer window rating:
8/10Chennaiyin FC has built a strong squad with depth in every position, making it one of their most competitive rosters in recent years. However, the success of the team will depend on the ability of players like Nassiri, Gurkirat, Farukh Chaudhary, Lalrinliana Hnamte, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy to quickly adapt to their new environment and contribute significantly.
