Lob-Era's Over, Pedro Benali Amongst Shortlisted Candidates
Mohun Bagan ended this season in disappointment as the club missed the historic chance of completing a 3-in-a-row in the Indian Super League despite finishing on the same points as champions Emami East Bengal, only missing out on goal difference.
After winning ISL titles since the 2022/23 campaign, this has been a rare season for the Boys in Green and Maroon, who couldn't capitalise on the wayward structure of the season, as Bagan's long domination came to a halt.
This season has been one to forget, to say the least. From the registration ban at the beginning of the season to the cowardly escape from the AFC competition and the subsequent ban, Mohun Bagan still managed to win a trophy by beating their arch-rivals in the IFA Shield final. However, the standards of the club are so high that people do not care about winning minor silverware if the club fails to win the league.
As the season ended, MBFT can reveal that Mohun Bagan are planning a wholesale rebuild of the first team. This includes the departure of multiple foreigners and a few Indian stalwarts who have been part of this period of dominance over the last half-decade.
As MBFT exclusively revealed on 21st May in our YouTube Talk Show, we can confirm that Sergio Lobera has managed his last game for the Kolkata giants and his contract extension will not be triggered. It is expected that Lobera will leave Indian football next season.
Along with Lobera, the star foreign brigade is expected to undergo a major overhaul, as at least three foreigners have played their last game for the club.
Dimitri Petratos
Mohun Bagan were considering a short-term extension for the Aussie talisman around February, but his recent struggles on the field ensured those talks ended quickly. As the man himself hinted, MBFT can confirm that he is leaving Mohun Bagan after an illustrious career.
Jason Cummings
Cummings joined Mohun Bagan fresh from winning the title with Central Coast Mariners and has since played a key role in Bagan's domestic dominance. He was a key figure in Bagan's back-to-back ISL Shield triumphs.
This season has been difficult for him, as he struggled for game time under Lobera and, whenever he played, largely disappointed apart from the Kolkata Derby. As his three-year contract comes to an end, the management has taken a mutual decision with Jason not to extend it further.
Jason has multiple offers from the A-League, and one of the interested clubs is his former team, Central Coast Mariners.
Tom Aldred
In a season full of "what ifs", Tom Aldred has been the best foreigner for Mohun Bagan. He performed whenever given a chance, and Mohun Bagan would likely have retained him had they won the league again.
However, missing out on the league means Bagan are looking for a revamp, and Tom Aldred is unlikely to continue if a full-fledged league takes place next season.
Jamie Maclaren
Arguably one of the greatest players in A-League history, Maclaren signed for Bagan with tremendous expectations and a reputation as a goal machine.
In both of his seasons, he has been the club's top scorer, but he has missed some crucial chances this season which, fans would argue, could have won the league for Bagan.
Maclaren's future remains uncertain as there is still no clarity over Indian football's future. However, if the league takes place, he is expected to stay.
Robson Robinho
Mohun Bagan signed the Brazilian playmaker after pursuing him for three years. Once the signing was confirmed, a large section of the Mohun Bagan fanbase was unhappy, though MBFT decided to back him.
As the season has ended, it is fair to say that Robson has failed to prove the doubters wrong. He still has one year left on his deal, but Mohun Bagan are relaxed about the situation. They would prefer the new coach to make a decision regarding the Brazilian's future.
Alberto Rodriguez
MBFT understands that Mohun Bagan have reached a full verbal agreement with the entourage of Alberto Rodriguez. The player himself wants to stay at the club, and Bagan would like to finalise a deal once the future of Indian football becomes clearer.
Both camps are being cautious due to the uncertainty surrounding Indian football, and therefore no official agreement has been signed yet. The player is one of the contenders for the captaincy next season, and the story continues.
Regarding the Indian brigade, Deepak Tangri is out of contract and, since January, Mohun Bagan have not spoken to the home-grown India international regarding a new deal. He is expected to become a free agent this summer.
Amey Ranawade will not continue at the club, while Ashish Rai's situation is also under scrutiny. Dippendu Biswas will decide his future after speaking with the new coach, as he could leave on loan. Abhishek Suryavanshi is also looking for a new club.
Mohun Bagan are open to offloading one of their star wingers as part of the planned rebuild.
Who Could Be the New Coach?
MBFT have learned that Mohun Bagan have a five-man shortlist, among whom two are currently coaching in the ISL. One coach has never worked in the ISL but has experience in a neighbouring league.
Mohun Bagan are also not ruling out the possibility of bringing back a former coach.
MBFT can exclusively confirm that Juan Pedro Benali, the head coach of NorthEast United FC, is one of the names on the list, and Mohun Bagan are impressed with his work at the club.
Although no club-to-club talks have begun yet, Benali remains high on the shortlist.
Mohun Bagan's Plan
Mohun Bagan are planning to revamp their foreign contingent, with a minimum of three new signings expected. Bagan want a midfielder, an attacker capable of playing multiple roles, and either a centre-back or a defensive midfielder who can also operate as a centre-back.
If either Robson or Maclaren leaves, Bagan will look to make an additional attacking signing.
Mohun Bagan are keeping tabs on multiple Indian players and have shortlisted Punjab FC's dynamic duo, Md Suhail and Pramveer Singh, as potential reinforcements. Both deals are difficult as Punjab are keen to extend their contracts.
Another surprise name, although highly unlikely, is Sandesh Jhingan.
Mohun Bagan have also scouted two players from NorthEast United, one of whom is a defender. They continue to keep Akash Mishra, Valpuia, and Lallianzuala Chhangte on their shortlist.
If Bagan appoints Pedro Benali, they will certainly explore the possibility of signing Alaeddine Ajaraie, although that move remains far from certain.
One thing is clear: if the league takes place in full flow, Bagan are prepared to revamp the squad within a single season. However, if the future of the league remains uncertain, many of these possibilities could change.
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