Chennaiyin FC ISL 2024-25 Preview: Full Transfers List, Strength and Weakness, Key Players, Fixtures

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Chennaiyin FC have been a consistent force in the Indian Super League (ISL) over the years. Since the league started back in 2014, the Marina Machans have left a strong imprint in Indian football.

They have reached the ISL Cup final three times and made it to the playoffs in five out of eight seasons. Despite topping the table in the inaugural ISL season, they missed the playoffs for three consecutive years before making a comeback last year.

Under coach Owen Coyle, Chennaiyin FC are shown significant progress. Coyle led the team to the final during his first stint with them in the 2019-20 season.

Chennaiyin FC 2024-25 Transfers

The team now boasts a balanced and deep roster across all positions. Key players such as Samik Mitra, Connor Shields, Jiteshwor Singh, and Ryan Edwards have been retained, ensuring continuity. Additionally, proven performers like Daniel Chima Chukwu, Elsinho and Wilmar Jordan Gil have been brought in to bolster the attack.

Transfers In

Vignesh Dakshinamurthy (from Hyderabad FC)
Lalrinliana Hnamte (from Mohun Bagan)
Mohammad Nawaz (from Mumbai City FC)
Lukas Brambilla (from Othellos Athienou)
Gurkirat Singh (from Mumbai City FC)
Mandar Rao Dessai (from East Bengal)
Kiyan Nassiri (from Mohun Bagan)
Wilmar Jordan (from Punjab FC)
Daniel Chima Chukwu (from Jamshedpur FC)
PC Laldinpuia (from Jamshedpur FC)
Elsinho (from Jamshedpur FC)
Jitendra Singh (from Jamshedpur FC)

Transfers Out

Alexander Romario Jesuraj (Contract Terminated)
Ayush Adhikari (Contract Terminated)
Lazar Cirkovic (to Jamshedpur FC)
Sachu Siby (Contract Terminated)
Prateek Kumar Singh (On Loan to Dempo SC)
Rahim Ali (End of Contract)
Sweden Fernandes (End of Contract)
Ninthoi Meetei (End of Contract)
Rafael Crivellaro (End of Contract)
Aakash Sangwan (End of Contract)
Jordan Murray (End of Contract)
Cristian Battocchio (End of Contract)
Sarthak Golui (End of Loan)
Mobashir Rahman (End of Loan)
Debjit Majumder (End of Contract)

Chennaiyin FC - The Strengths

The Marina Machans have significantly bolstered their striking force this season. With the arrivals of Daniel Chima Chukwu and Kiyan Nassiri, they have proper replacements for the outgoing players. Also, the coup from Jamshedpur FC to get Elsinho is another significant move, which may prove to be an important one in the defence.

The southern team showcased their grit last season when they won four out of the last five matches to qualify for the playoffs. Although they have a completely different squad this season, Chennaiyin will be aiming to find the right combination in the early days.

Chennaiyin FC - The Weaknesses to Address

Owen Coyle has been a superb tactician over the years, but the Englishman's biggest challenge will be to improve their defensive performance. They conceded 36 goals last season in the league, the second most in the league after bottom-placed Hyderabad FC. Also, the away form of the team is a cause for concern. Although Chennaiyin qualified for playoffs, it was due to their home form as they managed only 2 wins out of 11 away matches.

They are not coming into the season with the right form. Chennaiyin had a dismal outing in the Bandodkar Trophy in Goa, where they won only one out of three league matches and got eliminated after losing to the youth team of Argentine club Defensa y Justicia. There are concerns for Coyle which can haunt him throughout the season.

Chennaiyin FC: Who will be the Key Players?

The fate of Marina Machans will be decided with the combination of their strength up front and solidity at defence. But there will be a few players who shall be crucial for them this season.

Daniel Chima Chukwu: The striker is coming to Chennaiyin on the back of excellent form with Jamshedpur FC. The Nigerian striker netted 9 goals last term and will be a key player for the Marina Machans, given his goal-scoring prowess. His hold-up play and physical strength will also be a factor for CFC going forward.

Wilmar Jordan: Wilmar Jordan is another addition in the CFC outfit who is on the back of a rich vein of form. The Colombian scored 9 goals in 18 appearances for Punjab FC last season. Jordan, along with Chima Chukwu will have huge responsibilities for Chennaiyin this season.

Chennaiyin FC ISL 2024-25 Key Fixtures

Chennaiyin FC will kickstart their league season with an away trip to Bhubaneswar to face Odisha FC on September 14. They will host Mohammedan in their first home game on September 26, followed by trips to Hyderabad FC and Northeast United. They will play southern rivals Kerala Blasters on November 24 in Kochi, whereas the Marina Machans will host Bengaluru FC on December 28.