Title contenders Chittagong Abahani and defending champions Abahani signed back their former stars Lionel Saint Preux of Haiti and Sunday Chizoba of Nigeria respectively as the mid-term transfer window came to a close yesterday.

Chittagong Abahani, who are on top of the Bangladesh Premier League table with 26 points, released Nigerian forward Afeez Olawale Oladipo to sign up Preux, who was one of their key players last season as the port city outfit became runners-up.

Holders and third-placed Abahani signed back Sunday, who scored 19 goals last season to guide Abahani to their fifth professional league title. However, the Sky Blues are yet to decide who to release among

Emeka Darlington, Landing Darboe and Samad Yussif as only three players are allowed to register for each club.

Apart from these two clubs, fourth-placed Saif SC signed up Haiti's Wedson Anselme along with Charles Sheringham, son of former England forward Teddy Sherinham.

Struggling Mohammedan SC, who are in fifth position with 17 points from 11 matches, roped in Brothers Union's Haitian striker Augustin Walson while Rahmatganj MFS signed up Dauda Ceesay and Afeez Oladipo to strength their attacking options.

A total of 25 players were signed up for different clubs till yesterday afternoon and official formalities to sign up more players were goingon till this report was filed.

The second leg of the league will start on Monday.