Panaji: Australian striker Tim Cahill will be the latest high-profile name to join the Indian Super League ( ISL ) but unlike the previous four editions, he could be the only marquee player to ply his trade in the league.

The Socceroos great, who featured at the 2018 World Cup, has agreed a deal with Jamshedpur FC and is expected to complete the signing formalities in the next 48 hours.

“It’s a done deal, well, almost. The contract is being finetuned by Cahill’s team at the moment but we do not expect any hurdle in landing his signature,” a source close to the developments told TOI on Wednesday.

The 38-year-old’s signature is expected to cost Jamshedpur FC a little over $500,000 but the league newcomers will calmly pick up the bill since it will not impact the salary cap. Cahill has been designated as a marquee player, thanks to his 226 appearances in the English Premier League (EPL) with Everton, and his salary will not be included in the cap of Rs 17.5 crore.

The ISL had Ireland forward Robbie Keane (ATK) and former Manchester United man Dimitar Berbatov (Kerala Blasters) as the marquee players last season.

Cahill, who announced his retirement from international football in July but ruled out a return to the A-League, will join Jamshedpur FC for pre-season in Spain no sooner he procures his visa.

The signing of the Australian striker will serve Jamshedpur well, particularly after the newcomers misfired in front of goal last season, scoring the second least number of goals. They missed out on a semifinal spot after losing a decisive game against FC Goa.

Cahill has donned colours for plenty of clubs including Millwall, Everton, New York Red Bulls, Shanghai Shenhua and Melbourne City but it’s his stint with the national team that is best remembered. Cahill remains Australia ’s record goalscorer at the World Cup, record goalscorer at the Asian Cup and the first Australian to appear at four World Cups.

The fifth edition of ISL kicks off on September 29 with ATK taking on the might of Kerala Blasters at home.

