Mohun Bagan Foreigner Signings for 2026-27 Season

New Season. The Trophy Hunt begins!

After back-to-back glory years where national trophies galore the green and maroon brigade, Mariners dreamt of a historic three-peat!

Instead Mohun Bagan Super Giants finished ISL 2025-26 as runners up with arch rivals, East Bengal clinching the National title after 22 years. This was a disappointing result for the players, the team and most of all, the fans. A change was inevitable through thick and thin of the team.

With the 2026-27 season knocking on the doors, management started making changes from the top rung. Greek mastermind Panagiotis Dilmperis replaced the outgoing Sergio Lobera.

Panos, a known face in the Indian football circuit, having coached Punjab FC for the past two seasons was handed over the reign with the expectations of bringing back the trophy-laden years. While critics always lauded Panos for implementing a positive gameplay through a mixture of youth and experienced players, the determining factor of Panos’ success at Mohun Bagan depends on whether he will be able to handle a dressing room with big names and fan pressure.

Once the coaching overhaul was completed, next came the foreign contingent. Throughout Mohun Bagan Super Giants’ success years, The Green and Maroon heavily depended on Oceania-centred foreigners belonging mostly from Australia.

The new season saw a change in direction in foreign recruitment. Four of the six foreigners: the Australian trio, Dimi Petratos, Jason Cummings and Tom Aldred along with Brazilian Robson Robinho were shown the door with just Alberto Rodriguez and Jamie Maclaren being the only names retained.

While the domestic squad forms the core of the team, it is the foreigners' performance which determines the direction of team's performance in a season. Four new foreign players have joined the club, three of them possessing prior ISL experience, while a brand new face has also been introduced to Indian football.

The new season has started so let's take a look at the playing profile of each foreign player along with their strength and weakness and an expected season rating:

Alberto Rodriguez Martin

One of the first names from the overall squad to be retained from last season was Spanish giant, Alberto Rodrigues. Along with Maclaren, Alberto remains the oldest player at 33 years of age. Yet, the retention of 'Rod' raises no eyebrows. If the proverb "Ageing like a fine wine" had a figurative example, Alberto Rodriguez would've been the epitome of it.

The Spaniard was signed as a second choice behind Tom Aldred from Indonesian giants, Persib Bandug in 2024. But as soon as he graced the field in India, it became almost impossible for Mohun Bagan to think of a lineup without Alberto in the Starting XI.

A physical centre-back, characterised by his exceptional positioning, strong serial capability and calmness under pressure; Rod ticks all the boxes of a modern ball playing centre-back. At 6 ft 4 inches, his height makes him a constant threat during offensive set pieces while his reading of the game allows him to organize the backline effectively. His knack of scoring long rangers such as the 25 yard stunner against Kerala Blasters in the double winning season has already made him a fan favourite!

A new season always comes with new challenges. While Bagan's defence and Rod breathed a sigh of relief with Tom’s omnipresence in defence, 2026-27 will be the first time Alberto pairs up with an Indian Centre-back at defence. Gathering 17 clean sheets in 32 games, Alberto has established himself permanently in the backline. While the likes of Rahul Bheke, Mehtab Singh, Subhashish Bose and Alex Saji have ample of experience, it remains to be seen how Mohun Bagan and Rod adapt to the new defence partnership.

Strengths: Aerial dominance, anticipation, positional awareness, tackling, composure, defensive leadership.
Weakness: Recovery pace, turning speed against agile forwards, defending large spaces, vulnerable to quick transitions.
Rating: 9/10

Jamie Maclaren

When the announcement of Mohun Bagan signing Jamie Maclaren hit the Indian transfer market in 2024, it created a ripple effect never seen before.

Surely, Indian football had seen bigger names but a profile as sensational and versatile as Jamie Maclaren was unmatched! An illustrious career spanning over Scotland, Germany and the A-League where he scored 150+ goals, Maclaren was coming to India to break old records and set new ones.

And boy, he did arrive in style! Starting off with the Kolkata Derby, Maclaren scored 11 times in the ISL in the debut season with Mohun Bagan clinching the sacred double. The second season brought new challenges for The Aussie striker. With new strategy and gameplay under Sergio Lobera and a truncated league format, Maclaren’s form took sporadic dips which ultimately derailed Bagan’s title hopes. Nevertheless, Maclaren finished the season with double figures ensuring he would continue for a third season with the club.

Gifted by a typical poachers instinct, Jamie Maclaren is the perfect example of a 'Fox in the box' striker. The Scot-convert Aussie, who has football running in his family lineage is a specialist in classic counter-attack finishing and second chance goals. Whenever Maclaren is in or around the box, the opponent has to deploy an extra man for marking. This gives the other forward players free space to attack and score.

Maclaren's omnipresent threat and combination play with Jason Cummings over the last two seasons has gifted Bagan countless beautiful goals. Bagan fans can be optimistic that MacLaren will strike a formidable partnership with new face Lee Erwin to deliver the decisive league title for the Green and Maroon.

Strengths: pressing, anticipation, stamina, tactical intelligence, fox-in-the-box, off-the-ball movement, attacking spaces behind defenders.
Weakness: Offers little aerial presence, limited creativity outside the box, heavily relies on service, lacks physical edge.
Rating: 8/10

Miguel Figueira Damasceno

Mohun Bagan has always been known for bringing the best names around the Asian footballing circuit. However, one position that has historically lacked in big names is the central midfield region. While Greg Stewart flourished through the middle in Molina’s league-shield double season, the midfield general duties have since then been left vacant. Domestic names such as Apuia and Anirudh Thapa tried to hold the hull but often against a good foreign midfield, the dominating factor would fade out. After a failed season, the management did not waste any time in strengthening the midfield position. The answer was Miguel Figueira.

The Brazilian midfield maestro started ringing the bells in the Asian market when Bangladeshi giants, Bashundhara Kings signed him from an unknown Brazilian Serie B side in 2022. Over the next 4 seasons, Miguel partnered with his fellow countrymen, Robson Robinho and Dorielton Gomes to deliver multiple accolades for them.

With the political turmoil taking a heavy toll on state football, Miguel alongwith his compatriots followed the exodus to India. Surprisingly, Miguel’s first preference in India was always Mohun Bagan but for one reason or the other the offer never came his way. Hence, Miguel decided to ply his trade for arch-rivals, East Bengal. Mohun Bagan kept a close eye on the player's impressive track record throughout the season. Once the assurance of his worthiness in ISL was confirmed, management immediately contacted his camp. In a hard-fought tug of war, Bagan had the last laugh signing Miguel for a 2-year contract with an option for an additional year extension.

Having age on his side, 26-year old Miguel dominates the midfield offensively through long accurate passes and quick one two short passes and defensively winning 1-on-1 duels and running the extra pair of legs. An effective ball carrier, Miguel is gifted with an outstanding left foot that can work wonders in delivering final balls into Maclaren and Erwin’s feet and often into the net itself. Enshrined with the 'creator' role, Bagan faithfuls are confident that Miguel Figueira bring the 'Joga Bonito' to their team's long standing problem in midfield.

Strength: Playmaker, passing vision and range, creativity between the lines, long range and set piece specialist, press-resistant ball progression.
Weakness: stamina, defensive positioning, lacks explosive pace
Rating: 8/10

Dejan Dražić

For the last two years, one of the few foreigners who constantly became a nuisance for oppositions facing FC Goa was DJ Drazic. The Gaurs roped him from Cyprus-based club, Ethnikos Achna FC on a two-year deal. Under Manolo Marquez’s tutelage, Drazic complimented the technical gameplay at FC Goa with his relentless workrate and spontaneous creativity. Even at the fag end of a match when most of the players in field would fire out, Drazic would collect the ball from defence and stride on challenging the defenders in critical 1-on-1 situations. 13 goal contributions over two seasons might not be a handsome number, but stats will not show the full picture of an utility player like DJ Drazic.

A player of Drazic’s profile offers much more in the field than simply goals and assists. Tremendous pressure and immaculate work rate are two of his biggest traits on the field. Even at 31, Drazic has the calibre to play high intensity football for more than 90 minutes, a feat he has recently showcased in the IFA Shield semi-final. Needless to say, Drazic has already gained the fan favourite status after a gruesome final against East Bengal where he had to take 7 stitches in his forehead but refused to leave the field as his team clinged to a narrow 1-0 win.

Drazic's addition in the squad has also supplemented the wing play of the squad. Bagan fans have often lost confidence in Liston Colaco and Manvir Singh although the latter recently made a seismic comeback as a No. 9 in the national team. Drazic’s inclusion along with Chhangte has introduced fresh identities in the winger department.

Besides his preferrence to play on the left wing, Drazic's versatility on both the wings as well as in the CAM position allows Bagan to utilise him in multiple positions as and when needed. His combination with Chhangte and Erwin/Maclaren in the front will be pivotal to ensure an ISL shield win.

Strength: Versatility, incredible passing ability, dribbling, acceleration, ball carrying, stamina, shooting from distance.
Weakness: Decision-making in crowded areas, inconsistent in end product.
Rating: 8.5/10

Samir Zeljković

When Mohun Bagan started their team formation at the end of last season, not many known ISL names were on their radar. But one name that stayed at the end of the list with Drazic and Miguel was Samir Zeljkovic.

The Bosnian defensive midfielder came to India last season when he was impressed with Punjab’s project under Panos. He joined The Shers during their AIFF Super Cup campaign from Serbian club Radnicki 1923. Having spent most of his youth career in his hometown club, FK Sarajevo, the 28-year-old spent five successful years with Bosnian top tier club, Velez Mostar, where the club secured European qualification subsequently earning him his first call-up to the Bosnian national team. His stint with the national team was short lived but meaningful where he was called up for the UEFA Nations League matches against Netherlands and Italy in 2021.

Having worked with Panos in the previous team, Samir would be used to his strategy, tactics and training methods, something that the remaining squad has to adapt from scratch. Rightfully, the Bosnian has used that advantage to the fullest when he scored the all-important goal in the IFA Shield final. Samir's versatility does not stop at the defensive mid position as he can also play in the stopper position. However his footballing qualities are not only limited to the defensive game. Samir is also adept at making sudden forward runs to assist the attacking line. Whether the Bosnian Premier League or the Uzbek league, whichever league Samir has fared in, he has scored and assisted!

With a kaleidoscopic mosaic of defensive and offensive abilities, if Samir Zeljkovic can fulfil his potential to the fullest in green and maroon colours, he will be defining a new position in football, famously monikered as the ‘box crasher’!

Strengths: Versatility, defensive positioning, tackling, interceptions, physicality, aerial duels.
Weakness: Limited attacking creativity, progressive passing under pressure, agility against quick dribblers.
Rating: 8/10

Lee Harry Erwin

Mohun Bagan and Scottish football opened their connections in 2017 when Daryl Duffy signed from Salgaocar FC. The Scotsman's mixed performance paved the door for future stars to follow. Fast forward to 2024, the mythic legend, Greg Alexander Stewart mesmerized us with his magical spell handing us the ISL Shield. 2 years later, The Mariners connection with Scotland has found a new face in Lee Erwin.

The lanky 6 '2 forward has played his younger years in Scotland, Finland and Gulf states before joining Jordanian giants, Al-Faisaly which was his last address before donning the prestigious green and maroon. While Mohun Bagan was busy finalising and scouting their 6th foreigner, Chennaiyan FC quietly initiated talks with Lee Erwin reaching up to the stage of personal terms agreement. But the Durand final loss against arch rivals was too heavy to digest. Going against time, Mohun Bagan hijacked the deal from their Southern counterpart in the next 48 hours!

Erwin’s physical stature would make him suitable for an athletic striker with aerial prowess. But here is where most of them will be wrong. Erwin’s height and physical prowess are his basic traits but what makes him an exceptional player is his ability to link up play. Dropping deep, Erwin combines with the mids and wingers often creating the space by pulling defenders off their mark. Erwin’s first touch on aerial and ground balls are so well planned that almost every accurate ball to him results in an attacking move. Given the glimpses that the Scotsman has shown in pre-league tournaments, Mariners will be optimistic that Erwin will lead us to glory using his immense experience from around the world.

Strength: Holding the ball, physical and aerial presence in the box, long-range and set piece specialist, link-up play, defensive contribution.
Weakness: Explosive pace, mobility and pressing in wide areas, limited dribbling threat.
Rating: 8.5/10

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