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The Hockey India League 2024 (HIL) men’s player auction concluded in Delhi on Monday (October 14). The two-day affair saw numerous players being picked up by the eight HIL teams. The list of those who ended up with a contract included both top Indian players as well as numerous premier overseas names.
The foreign talent was in good demand given the immense experience and exposure those players bring to the table. Each team participating in the auction had set their own targets when it came to acquiring foreign talent. It was clear by the strategies on display that every team had certain names they were targeting and went all out for.
The HIL player auction required every team to build a squad of 24 members. Out of those 24, eight players had to be foreign and the remaining 16 Indians. Some of the finest international players will now be donning the jersey's of their respective teams at the HIL 2024.
Top 3 overseas buys at HIL 2024 men’s player auction
#3. Jeremy Hayward (Australia) Soorma Hockey Club- Rs 42 lakh
Australia’s Jeremy Hayward became the third most expensive overseas buy at the HIL auction. The star player was bought by the Punjab-based Soorma Hockey Club for Rs 42 lakh.
Jeremy was part of the 2014 Men’s Hockey World Cup winning Australian side. Since making his debut in 2014, Hayward has proved himself to be a crucial player for his national team.
The 31-year-old is a great pick as he also possesses crucial leadership experience. Jeremy captained the Kookaburras at the 2023 FIH Pro League mini tournament.
#2. Jip Janssen (Netherlands) Tamil Nadu Dragons- Rs 54 lakh
Jip Janssen has seen his stock rise immensely after being a central figure in Netherland’s gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024. The 26-year-old was his country’s highest goal-scorer at the Summer Games with five goals.
After a good long bidding, Jip was clinched by the Chennai-based Tamil Nadu Dragons for Rs 54 lakh.
There was a clear indication during the auction that Janssen was a player that a lot of teams were targeting. Given his age and incredible talent, the Dutchman is a perfect choice for any team that he plays in.
#1. Gonzalo Peillat (Germany) Hyderabad Toofans- Rs 68 Lakh
Germany’s star player Gonzalo Peillat took home the biggest contract from the HIL 2024 player auction among all foreign players. The premier defender caused a huge bidding war before being bought by the Hyderabad Toofans for a whopping Rs 68 lakh.
As soon as his name came up, the auction room discovered a newfound energy. Peillat comes with a plethora of experience. The 32-year-old played 153 matches for Argentina between 2011-2019 and scored 176 goals. He was the top-scorer at the 2016 Rio Olympics helping Argentina win Gold.
He has since acquired German citizenship and made his debut for Germany in 2022. Peillat played a critical role in Germany lifting the 2023 Hockey World Cup in India.
