Bagan has been working on Yan Dhanda for the last 12 Months, Talks in place with the players' camp
Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have recently agreed to the OCI rule proposed by FFB (or AIFF), and Bagan are working secretly to bring in one of the best OCI players available. MBFT can confirm that Mohun Bagan have held initial discussions with midfielder Yan Dhanda, as first reported by Mariners' Arena yesterday.
MBFT started hinting about Yan Dhanda during a previous "Transfer টুকিটাকি" YouTube live show, as Mohun Bagan were already in talks with the camp of the Liverpool academy graduate. MBFT can exclusively reveal that the development regarding Yan Dhanda's potential move to Mohun Bagan has not emerged out of nowhere.
Many will remember that MBFT repeatedly hinted about a "Gun Number 8" (a prolific midfielder) during the 2025 summer transfer window. We confirmed on several YouTube shows that the deal was dependent on the departure of Dimitri Petratos. We can now confirm that the player was Yan Dhanda, who was offered to Mohun Bagan in the summer of 2025.
At that time, Mohun Bagan had already secured the signing of Robson Robinho, and a move for another midfielder was solely dependent on whether Bagan could part ways with Dimitri. However, the cost of terminating Petratos' contract and bringing in Dhanda was too high for any Indian club at the time, and Bagan moved away from the opportunity. Dhanda eventually completed a loan switch to fellow Scottish side Dundee Football Club during the first week of August.
However, Bagan never lost interest. They admired the way JSW signed Ryan Williams, and how Ryan acquired Indian citizenship to become a domestic player, and Bagan wants to explore a similar opportunity. When someone suggested to AIFF (now FFB) that an OCI quota rule should be integrated, Bagan did not oppose it.
For the past year, Team MBFT has been tracking Yan Dhanda's development at Dundee, and we have noticed that he has transformed himself into a more complete midfielder than he was before.
Yan Dhanda's tactical evolution from a traditional number 10 into an all-round central midfielder is directly supported by his playing data and personal developmental markers. During his 2025/26 Scottish Premiership campaign on loan at Dundee, Dhanda established himself as a durable and fundamental piece of the midfield engine, logging 2,146 minutes across 28 appearances.
Known earlier in his career at Ross County as a final-third playmaker, his role under Dundee's coaching staff shifted significantly deeper. While maintaining an attacking presence by scoring two goals, Dhanda explicitly credited his time at Dens Park for expanding his responsibilities into both the build-up and defensive phases. He noted that he actively adapted to receiving the ball deeper in possession and helping win it back defensively.
This shift is reflected in his athletic metrics, as he scores exceptionally high in starting consistency and stamina relative to typical attacking midfielders in the league, fulfilling the work-rate criteria expected of a modern box-to-box number 8.
A source tracking his development since last year told MBFT, "He can be a true successor to Greg Stewart. He is an OCI Greg Stewart that an Indian club can sign."
MBFT have been told that Mohun Bagan are exploring a move for Dhanda, but the deal is not advanced yet. Signing Dhanda is a costly project for any Indian club. His salary would be around £400,000 per season, and the club would have to offer a contract that allows them to retain him for at least five years.
Sources have indicated to MBFT that Bagan would be able to meet the player's financial demands, but they would first like clarity from the federation regarding the OCI rule. One source told MBFT, "We have done our homework. The player fits our profile, but at the valuation being discussed, a move only becomes feasible if the OCI rule is made mandatory. Until there is clarity on the regulations, it would be difficult to justify that level of investment."
Bagan have simultaneously explored a few other options as well, but if the OCI rule becomes mandatory, they will try their best to bring Dhanda into the squad. Bagan are working on this OCI project with a long-term vision, and the plan is to sign at least one OCI player every season if they possess the quality of a foreigner, as an OCI player can become an Indian citizen within two seasons.
Danny Batth was an option Bagan explored earlier, as reported by Ray Sportz, but his age is a concern. Britain is an area sources have told MBFT to keep an eye on, as multiple players from that region are eligible for the OCI quota. A scout who specialises in identifying talent with Indian roots has told MBFT to keep an eye on Panama's Jesus Delgado Singh, who is just 24 years old.
The scout told us, "He is currently better than many Indians playing in the league, but not better than the foreigners a club can start. However, he can be treated as an Indian within two years if he signs today, and many Indian clubs will explore this opportunity if the OCI rule becomes mandatory."
We are not aware if Jesus currently holds an active OCI card, but the player is eligible to represent India under FIFA guidelines.
Mohun Bagan are also working to appoint a new head coach, and MBFT has been told it's a 3 Horse Race. MBFT are not aware of the favourite candidate yet, but MBFT have already hinted about the three coaches previously.
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