The transfer plan for ISL clubs in preparation for the 2025-26 season was disrupted due to uncertainty regarding the league’s future after it was put on hold in July 2025 by the now previous owners of the league, FSDL, following their disagreement with the Indian football governing body, AIFF, over the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) extension. Even after the resolution with the league restarting in February 2026 under the watch of the federation, after the adoption of the new constitution and confirmation from the sports ministry, the long delay caused a lot of clubs to suspend operations temporarily, taking paycut measures with the signings for the season also cutting their spell short. It has led to a foreign talent exodus from clubs, which includes ISL superstars who gave the excitement around the tournament.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, as even with some severely affected by the situation, most teams have managed to assemble the squad fulfilling their foreign quota for the season once the cloud of uncertainty cleared. The crisis of the league’s uncertain future got cleared in early January this year, allowing clubs a big portion of the transfer window to build their team for the season, even though the majority of the signings are free, with some happening outside of the window. Understandably, the Kolkata giants carry a century-old legacy with more stability has find less difficulty in arranging a star-studded squad, apart from Mohammedan SC, but sides like Punjab FC, Chennaiyin FC and even the new franchise SC Delhi have made shrewd business, seizing the opportunity when it came. However, clubs like FC Goa and Odisha FC had a lasting impact because of the fiasco.
Here are all the transfers completed by ISL clubs for the 2024-25 ISL season:
Bengaluru FC
IN: Jaspreet Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Braian Sánchez, Sirozhiddin Kuziev
OUT: Edgar Mendez, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Alberto Noguera, Pedro Capó, Harsh Patre, Halicharan Narzary (on loan), Aleksandar Jovanovic, Jessel Carneiro, Salaheddine Bahi (signed but released), Rohit Danu
Like most teams this season, Bengaluru FC have suffered a crunching financial period due to the ISL delay, so they had to ask players to take a pay cut and face a foreign exodus, with players unwilling to stick around amid the league’s uncertainty for career progression.
Unfortunately, the financial constraints meant they had to let go of their summer signing, Salaheddine Bahi, whom they bought from Moroccan side Hassania Agadir. The centre-back, who is the Blues' first representative from the African nation, appeared just once for the club, playing the full 90 minutes in their AIFF Super Cup opener against Mohammedan SC last year, and thereafter mutually terminated his contract in January. However, the rest of the signings remained at the club despite the difficult time experienced, including the two other foreign arrivals.
The 32-year-old Argentinian attacking midfielder, Braian Sánchez, from his nation’s top-tier club, Deportivo Riestra and winger Sirojiddin Kuziev are very much part of the Blues’ plan for the new season, bolstering the attack that already lost Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Alberto Noguera and even Edgar Mendez despite the Spaniard extending his contract by a year at the club. They were the three vital pieces for the club’s journey to the ISL Cup final last season, while the other foreigners in the squad, Pedro Capó and the reliable centre-back Aleksandar Jovanovic, who joined the club in 2022, left in the summer, decreasing the foreign quota, which was not fulfilled due to the league situation. That leaves Bengaluru FC with just two foreigners for the 2025-26 campaign unless they make some late free agent deals.
Among the Indian player departures are Harsh Patre and Jessel Carneiro, while Halicharan Narzary joined I-League outfit Diamond Harbour FC on loan. 23-year-old Rohit Danu also made a late January window move to newly promoted side Inter Kashi. However, Bengaluru fans have been excited about one Indian arrival, Ashique Kuruniyan, returning to the club that helped him break out to this stage. Despite an injury-ravaged period at Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the 28-year-old won five trophies with the Mariners, including the double last season. Versatile in various positions on the left side, Kuruniyan is a crucial addition to the Blues. He hopes to bring his trophy-winning experience to help the club end its six-year trophy drought.
Chennaiyin FC
IN: Alberto Noguera, Mohammed Ali Bemmamer, Imran Khan, John Manuel Pereira, Raj Basfore, Kingslee Fernandes, Eduardo Kau, Inigo Martin
OUT: Kiyan Nassiri, Lukas Brambilla, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Vincy Barretto, Prateek Kumar Singh, Connor Shields, Ryan Edwards, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Praful Kumar YV, Thanglalsoun Gangte
At one point, Chennaiyin FC looked to be bracing itself for an all-Indian squad participation in the 2025-26 season after doing the same in the Super Cup and tackling the financial disruption caused by the delay. Yet, some cunning business in the window has helped them secure some eye-catching signings, all through free transfers. The club brought proven stars of the league, like Mohammed Ali Bemmamer, who anchored the midfield in the most successful period for NorthEast United and one of the best playmakers in the league, Alberto Noguera. Experience winger Imran Khan, who was a key part of many ISL teams alongside top I-League clubs, also joins the side. The Marina Machans have also snapped up completely new faces like Brazilian centre-back Eduardo Kau and Spanish centre-forward Inigo Martin, completing the foreign roster for the season.
Chennaiyin have offloaded several players after finishing a disappointing 11th in the previous campaign, including their prime creator, Connor Shields. The Scotsman produced the most assists in the league last term with eight and was involved in 14 goals over two seasons for the Marina Machans. Reliable centre-back Ryan Edwards also became a free agent, whereas the 25-year-old tricky winger Vincy Barretto joined Jamshedpur FC. Lukas Brambilla and Wilmar Jordan Gil are the other foreign departures, whereas Kiyan Nassiri rejoined Mohun Bagan after an unsuccessful spell at the club. Edwin Vanspaul also ended his second stint with the side.
Sporting Club Delhi
IN: Alan Saji, Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar, Rafael Riberio, Matija Babovic, Ashutosh Mehta, Abdul Halik Hudu, Ebenezer Amoh, Vishal Yadav
OUT: Cy Goddard, Abdul Rabeeh, Lenny Rodrigues, Soyal Joshy, Stefan Sapic, Mohammed Kaif (on loan), Stefan Sapic, Aaryan Anjaneya, Andrei Alba
New franchise Sporting Club Delhi, adopted after Hyderabad FC relocated its base to India’s capital city, has made some shrewd business in the transfer window once ISL was given the green light for the restart. They have left no stone unturned to build a decent squad for the upcoming season with fantastic acquisitions. Among the foreign arrivals, who were all from the I-League, is Matija Babovic, the Serbian who became a scoring marksman for each club he played in the I-League, including former winners Dempo SC and Gokulam Kerala. He spearheaded Inter Kashi’s attack last season, helping the club secure promotion and he is set to show his prowess in the ISL now. Along with him, the club signed the Ghanaian pair in midfield, Abdul Halik Hudu and Ebenezer Amoh, both from I-League outfit Rajasthan United. They added to the foreign list already posing the summer signing, Rafael Ribeiro.
Experienced right-back Ashutosh Mehta from Jamshedpur FC was one of the galvanising Indian signings that strengthened the side defensively, while SC Delhi also made noise in securing the talented twin brothers from Kerala Blasters, Mohammed Azhar and Mohammed Aimen. Meanwhile, they parted ways with many top contributors for the erstwhile Hyderabad FC, including the poster boy, Abdul Rabeeh, to FC Goa, along with midfield general Lenny Rodrigues. The other foreigners, Cy Goddard, Andrei Alba and Stefan Sapic have been released.
East Bengal FC
IN: Jay Gupta, Edmund Lalrindika, Martand Raina, Miguel Figueira, Mohammed Rashid, Kevin Sibille, Bipin Singh, Ramsanga, Youssef Ezzejjari, Jerry Mawihmingthanga
OUT: Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, Richard Celis, Raphaël Messi Bouli, Hijazi Maher, Nishu Kumar, Mark Zothanpuia, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Héctor Yuste, Hamid Ahadad (signed but released), Hiroshi Ibusuki (signed but released)
East Bengal FC has again gone for a squad overhaul, hoping to finally end their frustration in the 2025-26 season, where there is a big opportunity to fight for the title in a truncated format.
There have been some exciting additions to the squad, like sought-after left-back Jay Gupta and the I-League’s best midfielder from last season, Edmund Lalrindika. Also making the ranks is star winger Bipin Singh, who spent trophy-filled seven seasons with Mumbai City FC and was one of the main players behind the club’s transformation. Odisha FC’s star winger Jerry Mawihmingthanga also joins to add quality and depth. Martand Raina and Ramsanga are the other signings to watch among Indians. The foreign quota is also glamorous, none more eye-catching than Miguel Figueira, after gaining fame in the Bangladesh league with Basundhara Kings. He scored 32 goals in 48 appearances and won numerous titles in three seasons there.
However, the club had to replace their two foreign striker signings in Hiroshi Ibusuki after he failed to impress and Hamid Ahadad due to personal reasons. Nevertheless, the club signed their replacement in 32-year-old Youssef Ezzejjari, who arrived after a delay due to his visa clearance. There were reports of the summer arrival, Kevin Sibille, leaving the club as well due to the ISL standoff, but the centre-back is set to continue with the club. Midfield steel Mohammed Rashid is the final member of the foreign quota for the 2025-26 season. They hope to shine the light for the torchbearers, which the departed Héctor Yuste, Dimitrios Diamantakos and Madih Talal failed to do, whereas replacing Hijazi Maher and Nishu Kumar, who have also headed for the exit door.
FC Goa
IN: Abdul Rabeeh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ronney Willson Kharbudon, Harsh Patre, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Ishan Pandita, Raynier Fernandes, Pol Moreno
OUT: Jay Gupta, Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh, Rowlin Borges, Laxmikant Kattimani, Aaron D'Silva, Alan Saji, Glan Martins (End of loan), Javi Siverio (signed but released), Borja Herrera, David Timor (signed but released), Iker Guarrotxena
Despite being the first team to clinch back-to-back Super Cup honours, FC Goa missed out on several key foreign stars behind their success due to the financial doldrums caused by no league football for months. Borja Herrera, Iker Guarrotxena and the recent summer arrival Javi Siverio all left the club because of the disruption, while David Timor, brought in for their AFC Champions League 2 campaign, also headed for the exit door amid the club taking the pay-cut route. Earlier, one of ISL’s best, Carl McHugh, also parted ways after dominating the midfield and winning several titles across several league clubs in India. Hence, the Gaurs are left with just two foreigners for the season, Dejan Drazic and the only overseas signing that remained at the club, Pol Moreno. The latter featured 10 times already and will be a key figure in the defence following the departure of Odei Onaindia, one of the finest centre-backs in the league, last year.
Jerry Lalrinzuala from Odisha FC is another crucial addition to the backline to replace the star left-back Jay Gupta, while talented defender Ronney Willson Kharbudon from I-League side Shillong Lajong and midfielder Harsh Patre from Bengaluru FC are transfers to be hopeful about. Raynier Fernandes and Abdul Rabeeh are other noticeable Indian imports. However, the player who will have more expectations on him is undoubtedly Ishan Pandita, who makes his return to the club which gave him the spotlight. Fans would want to see him rekindle his career in the Gaurs shirt. Among the departures from the Indian diaspora are Rowlin Borges, Laxmikant Kattimani and Aaren D'Silva. Only Borges has found a club in Kerala Blasters so far.
Inter Kashi
IN: Nauris Petkevičius, Alfred Planas, Wayne Vaz, Prabir Das, Seiminlen Dungel, Ashish Jha, Mohit Singh Dhami, Sergio Llamas, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Lluis Tarrés, Narendar Gahlot, Rohit Danu
OUT: Edmund Lalrindika, Domi Berlanga, David Humanes, Joni Kauko, Sarthak Golui, Bijoy V, Prasanth K, Narayan Das, Bidyashagar Singh, Sharon P, Asif Khan, Sk Sahil, Nikola Stojanovic, Dizianlung Gonmei, Arindam Bhattacharja
Once promoted side Inter Kashi received confirmation of the ISL restarting from February 2026, they got down to business in establishing a competitive squad for the season. They experienced a disruptive period after the conclusion of last season as they were in a long legal tussle with AIFF and Churchill Brothers over the declaration of the true I-League champions, which ṭhey eventually won and received promotion to the ISL. Secondly, the ISL delay jeopardised their plans, but the club has finally found stability with some key transfer additions. Alongside making some key foreign signings, there has been the addition of several ISL-experienced Indian players, making them one of the most balanced sides in the league this season. To top it off, they did not have to spend a single penny to assemble the squad.
Instead, Kashi profited after East Bengal paid them a fee to secure the signature of Edmund Lalrindika, who is a loss for the side, but they signed a player like Jayesh Rane, who became one of the top midfielders in ISL and a much-demanded player for an ideal replacement. They also got Alfred Planas from Gokulam FC, a player capable of playing on both flanks and also as an attacking midfielder. To strengthen the middle of the park further, defensive midfielder Sergio Llamas, who is also a former Malabarian. The I-League winners also became one of the few ISL clubs to ever sign a foreign goalkeeper in history by moving for the former Barcelona U-16 player Lluis Tarrés. However, the most ambitious foreign transfer move for Kashi was to secure the signature of Nauris Petkevičius, a striker for the Lithuanian national team.
The club also made significant moves to bolster their defence, including getting former Odisha FC player Narendar Gahlot, Nishu Kumar, Prabir Das and Wayne Vaz. Interestingly, it will be an all-Indian backline for Inter Kashi, who did not recruit a foreign centre-back after the departure of David Humanes in the summer, despite doing the same in other positions, like replacing the star midfielder Joni Kauko, last season’s top scorer for the team, Nikola Stojanovic and other foreigners like Domi Berlanga. Other exits from the defence are Narayan Das, Sarthak Golui, and Bijoy V. Rohit Danu’s transfer came as a replacement for Prasanth K on wings, followed by more departures like Bidyashagar Singh and Sk Sahil, while goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja hung up his gloves.
Jamshedpur FC
IN: Vincy Barretto, Madih Talal, Raphaël Messi Bouli, Sarthak Golui, Manvir Singh, Mark Zothanpuia, Praful Kumar YV, Germanpreet Singh, Nikola Stojanovic, Gabriel Rosenberg
OUT: Javi Siverio, Jordan Murray, Javi Hernández, Muhammad Uvais, Shubham Sarangi, Seiminlen Doungel, Wungngayam Muirang, Aniket Jadhav, Imran Khan, Samir Murmu, Vishal Yadav, Ashutosh Mehta, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Suhair VP, Jestin George, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Calvin Rosario Baretto
Jamshedpur FC have made great business this summer window and largely been unaffected by the ISL delay with the addition of proven league stars. One of the exciting arrivals has been Vincy Barretto from Chennaiyin FC, as the club continues the trend of picking up tricky and pacey wingers. Madih Talal’s free transfer also holds promise after he suffered an injury-ridden time with Red and Gold. If the French Moroccan revives his form at Punjab FC, then he will turn out to be the key architect for the side. Another promising signing has been of Nikola Stojanovic, who replaces the pair Javi Siverio and Jordan Murray, bringing in goal-scoring exploits with another forward signing, Raphaël Messi Boul, looking to show his true potential after failing at East Bengal. Manvir Singh, Mark Zothanpuia, Praful Kumar YV, Germanpreet Singh and the highly rated I-League midfielder, Gabriel Rosenberg, are the other arrivals to look out for.
However, the 2022 ISL Shield winners also had key departures from the squad, most notably being Javi Hernández, one of the league’s most effective playmakers, leaving after a memorable seven-year stint in India. It forced a complete transformation of the attack in the new season. Imran Khan and Asutosh Menta are the other notable players moving out of the club after signing for Chennaiyin FC and SC Delhi, respectively. The Men of Steel also faced a weird situation in losing their summer signings, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Suhair VP, Jestin George, Daniel Lalhlimpuia and Calvin Rosario Baretto in this winter window, in part due to the league’s delay. The veteran Seiminlen Doungel also cut ties after spending five years at the club.
Kerala Blasters
IN: Amey Ranawade, Arsh Shaikh, Kévin Yoke, Marlon Roos-Trujillo, Oumar Bah, Matías Hernández, Víctor Bertomeu, Rowlin Borges, Adnan Salahudeen
OUT: Jesus Jimenez, Kwame Peprah, Milos Drincic, Bryce Miranda, Ishan Pandita, Saurav Mandal, Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Prabir Das, Tiago Alves (signed but released), Koldo Obieta (signed but released), Juan Rodriguez (signed but released), Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar, Noah Sadaoui (on loan), Adrian Luna (on loan), Dusan Lagator (signed but released), Alexandre Coeff
Like most other clubs, the situation of Kerala Blasters became precarious due to the long ISL standoff and much like Chennaiyin FC, the club looked to be fielding an all Indian squad for the new season. It is far from the truth now as the Taskers have secured moves, especially foreigners, to strengthen their squad. Kévin Yoke, Marlon Roos-Trujillo, Oumar Bah, Matías Hernández and Víctor Bertomeu filled up the foreign quota. However, these signings were also triggered by the departures of star players from the side due to the league’s uncertain future, including flamboyant winger Noah Sadaoui and even club captain and fan favourite Adrian Luna. Not only for Blasters, but their departure also deprived the league of its poster players, although both secured only loan moves to Indonesian clubs till the end of the season.
The club also had to deal with players cutting their spell short after making summer moves owing to the situation surrounding the league. Tiago Alves, Koldo Obieta, Juan Rodriguez and Dusan Lagator all gave services for the Super Cup but decided not to continue further. They add to the foreign departures of Jesus Jimenez, Kwame Peprah, Alexandre Coeff and Milos Drincic, which happened in the summer. Blasters also let go of Indian players like Bryce Miranda, Ishan Pandita, Saurav Mandal and even the homegrown twin brothers Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar. However, the team also made crucial additions, including trophy-winning right-back Amey Ranawade, talented goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh and experienced midfielder, Rowlin Borges.
Mohammedan SC
IN: Bikash Singh
OUT: Manvir Singh, Carlos França, Alexis Gomez, Mohammed Kadiri, Marc Andre Schmerböck, Mohammed Irshad, Vanlalzuidika, Bhaskar Roy, Samad Mallick, K Lalrinfela, Wahengbam Angousana Luwang, Robi Hansda (End of loan), Sachu Siby, Tanmoy Ghosh, Thokchom James Singh
Mohammedan SC received a transfer ban in August last year, stemming from their problems with the investor, so they could not have secured any signings regardless of the delay caused by the ISL standoff. So, the Black Panthers will have to be contained with an all-Indian squad for the upcoming season. The club has released almost the entire contingent from last season, including the club captain, Alexis Gomez. Carlos França, Mohammed Kadiri and Marc Andre Schmerböck are the other foreigners who have packed their bags for a new destination, as are key Indian contributors, Manvir Singh and Robi Hansda.
Mohun Bagan SG
IN: Kiyan Nassiri, Robson Robinho, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Amey Ranawade
OUT: Arsh Shaikh, Amandeep Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan, Nuno Reis, Greg Stewart
Two consecutive times ISL Shield winners, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, have another busy summer window, adding further strength to their glittering squad. Despite facing an AFC ban due to their controversial withdrawal from the AFC Champions League 2 for the second consecutive time, they are hunting for trophies now that they have Sergio Lobera in the dugout. The most eye-catching transfer arguably has been of Robson Robinho from Brazilian side EC Água Santa. The forward shot to fame in the Bangladesh league with Basundhara Kings, scoring a mouth-watering 84 goals in 88 appearances for the club and hopes to add more to his tally in the Green and Maroon colours. Robson was a long-term target for the Mariners, but his signing became urgent in this window as the architect of the team, Greg Stewart, left the club.
Kiyan Nassiri also rejoined the club after spending an unsuccessful season with Chennaiyin FC and became the second forward signing of the season. However, the focus has been more on defensive recruits from the Kolkata giant this time. They made two significant additions in that area of the field with the signing of Tekcham Abhishek Singh from Punjab FC and Mehtab Singh from Punjab FC. The left-back rose to prominence last season and was subject to a transfer war between the Kolkata giants, while the latter established himself as one of the finest in his role in the league alongside winning multiple titles with Mumbai City FC. Meanwhile, the highlight departure from the club is of Ashique Kuruniyan, who joined Bengaluru FC. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan was forced to secure a winter deal after Asish Rai's season ending injury with Amey Ranawade roped in as his replacement. Sergio Lobera's player joins after terminating his contract with Kerala Blasters despite moving to the club only last summer.
Mumbai City FC
IN: Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Amandeep Singh, Lalnuntluanga, Bijay Chhetri, Dhruv Alva, Nuno Reis, Sahil Panwar, Joni Kauko
OUT: Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Jayesh Rane, Amey Ranawade, Mehtab Singh, Yoëll van Nieff, Bipin Singh, Seilenhang Lotjem (on loan), Nikolaos Karelis, Thaer Krouma, Jeremy Manzorro, Hardik Bhatt, Sahil Panwar, Vishal Joon, Jon Toral, Tiri
Due to the fiasco around the league’s future, Mumbai City FC faced a major loss by witnessing the City Football Group pulling out from the club’s ownership. However, the Islanders had done most of the business in the summer window, so it did not affect the side that severely for transfer plans this season amid a long-term disarray of the withdrawal set to be felt. The big incoming was the return of their star striker, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, after the Argentinian spent last season with ISL final runners-up Bengaluru FC. The 35-year-old scored 21 goals in 42 appearances in his first stint with the Islanders, winning the League Shield and Cup. He will be hoping to give much-needed firepower, which they lacked after his departure. Unable to replace him, Nikolaos Karelis was released, while club hero Bipin Singh joined the Kolkata giants East Bengal, with his jersey being retired.
Top foreigners for the side, Yoëll van Nieff and Thaer Krouma, have also headed for the exit door, joined by Jon Toral, as the club has gone for a major reshuffle in the squad this summer.
The team only finished sixth last season and was battered by Bengaluru FC in the playoffs, so changes were required. Mumbai City also lost key defender Mehtab Singh, who joined Mohun Bagan in a prized move and midfielder Jayesh Rane, both of whom played a significant role in the club’s success in the past seasons. Even ISL’s patent defender, Tiri, has to leave with the league’s future hanging up in air at that time. However, there have been some positive incomings, like that of Nuno Reis, who will finally receive game minutes in the league after a forgetful time at Mohun Bagan, with Sahil Panwar also returning to the backline. Former Mohun Bagan midfielder Joni Kauko joins to significantly bolster the midfield.
NorthEast United
IN: Jairo Samperio, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Andy Rodriguez, Lalbiakdika
OUT: Hamza Regragui, Nestor Albiach, Mirshad K. Michu, Sumit Rathi, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Alaeddine Ajaraie (on loan), Chema Núñez (signed but released)
Back-to-back Durand Cup winners NorthEast United had to let go of their star striker Alaeddine Ajaraie on loan to Indonesian club Persija Jakarta amid the ISL dispute, a massive loss for them for the 2025-26 season. The Moroccan shattered multiple scoring records for the Highlanders, including being ISL’s record goalscorer in a single season and was the main face behind the club’s transformation. Chema Núñez, their replacement for the team’s creator-in-chief, Nestor Albiach, also left the club after the Super Cup, following the doldrums of the league’s future. Despite that, the club held on to its two other foreign signings, Andy Rodriguez and Jairo Samperio. The former is a Real Madrid academy graduate who will anchor the midfield, replacing the general Mohammed Ali Bemammer, partnering the latter, who has extensive experience by playing for clubs like Sevilla, Mainz, Hamburg and Malaga.
Ajaraie’s absence means NorthEast United will see more of their new signing, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, who grabbed headlines by breaking the record for most goals scored by an Indian footballer in a single season of the I-League last season, with 14 goals, overtaking Mohammed Rafi and none other than Sunil Chhetri. The 25-year-old's importance to the side has grown for the upcoming season as he will shoulder much bigger responsibilities rather than being a luxurious backup. Same-aged Lalbiakdika is another exciting addition to the forward line. The other departures from their productive squad in the last couple of seasons are Sumit Rathi, Hamza Regragui, Phalguni Singh and goalkeeper Mirshad Michu.
Odisha FC
IN: Vanlalzuidika, K Lalrinfela, Tejas Krishna, VP Suhair, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul
OUT: Jerry Lalrinzuala, Diego Mauricio, Ahmed Jahouh, Roy Krishna, Dorielton, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Mourtada Fall, Raynier Fernandes, Narendar Gahlot, Hugo Boumous (on loan), Amey Ranawade (End of loan)
The transfer dealings of Odisha FC were disrupted as the club decided to suspend operations until the league resumed. As a result, the Kalinga Warriors have to make last-minute scrambles to make signings for the new season, adding experienced Indian players like VP Suhair and Edwin Vanspaul to the roster alongside Tejas Krishna. The club also had internal disputes with players demanding unpaid wages. Their star manager, Sergio Lobera, departed, further disjointing their season plans. The release of key stars who have contributed wholly to the club’s rise under the Spaniard coach, either in the summer or due to the league’s uncertainty, became the major talking point around the Kalinga Warriors.
The most significant one was the club’s all-time top scorer, Diego Mauricio, announcing his departure after scoring 35 times in 75 appearances. Names that got associated with the league, like Roy Krishna, Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall, also ended their long-term stay in ISL. The two Jerrys, Lalrinzuala and Mawihmingthanga, who have been associated with the club for season after season, have also sought new places to resume their career. Another big name that departed the league, but on loan, to a Malaysian side, Selangor, is Hugo Boumous, one of the elite number 10s in league history. Centre-back Narendar Gahlot also left the club after four years, as well as Raynier Fernandes, who joined FC Goa.
Punjab FC
IN: Muhammad Uvais, Bijoy Varghese, Samir Zeljkovic, Dani Ramirez, Pablo Santos, Effiong Nsungusi, Bede Osuji
OUT: Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Filip Mrzljak, Ezequiel Vidal, Ivan Novoselec, Petros Giakoumakis, Luka Majcen, Kiran Chemjong, Asmir Suljic, Melroy Assisi, Samuel Kynshi, Tejas Krishna, Denechandra Meitei, Ravi Kumar
Unlike others, Punjab FC was able to retain the personnel they signed in the summer, even with the uncertainty surrounding ISL. As a case, they were able to register all five of their foreign signings, which keeps them in a good position ahead of the season. The Shers have produced two foreign centre back signings with the 28-year-old Bosnian, Samir Zeljkovic, also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder and the veteran Pablo Santos, who spent time in the top division of the Portuguese league and also played in Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia after moving out of Brazil. The attack is also stacked with two Nigerian forwards, Effiong Nsungusi and Bede Osuji, while Spaniard Dani Ramirez signs as the main playmaker.
Among the Indian contingent, Muhammad Uvais and Bijoy Varghese are reinforcements to look forward to in defence. More so after the club let go of their star full-back, Tekcham Abhishek Singh, the 20-year-old joined ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan. Much of the squad from last season has transformed, including Filip Mrzljak and the Sher’s most beloved striker, Luka Majcen, leaving the club, with the latter joining I-League team Diamond Harbour FC. The other departures include Ezequiel Vidal, Ivan Novoselec, Petros Giakoumakis and Asmir Suljic. Meanwhile, Kiran Chemjong, Melroy Assisi, Samuel Kynshi, Tejas Krishna, Denechandra Meitei and Ravi Kumar are some of the high-profile Indian players released by the club.
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