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 by the league owners, FSDL, in July 2025, following their disagreement with the Indian football governing body, AIFF, over the MRA (Master Rights Agreement) extension. As a result, some clubs were unable to make any signings and, above all, opted to suspend all operations until the issue was resolved. The next window, January 2026, will be the centre point of transfer businesses for them in that case. Still, there have been eye-catching deals pulled by other teams this summer that have been active in other competitions either domestically or continentally. Some of these transfers have been free, which is understandable given the circumstances.
With the AIFF Super Cup started in October 2025 and the league itself expected to begin in December this year, following the Supreme Court's approval of the new AIFF constitution, clubs that have made business in the window may find themselves in an advantageous position. Clubs like East Bengal FC, FC Goa, and Jamshedpur FC have splashed the cash to bolster their squads for the upcoming season, whereas Mohammedan SC, Odisha FC, and Chennaiyin FC have remained quiet this window due to the conflict. Rebranded to Sporting Club Delhi from Hyderabad FC this season and the newly promoted side Inter Kashi only witnessed departures this window. The clubs spent approximately ₹4,08,37,500 in this window, lower than the previous four seasons.
Here are the transfers completed in the summer transfer window by ISL clubs for the 2024-25 ISL season:
Bengaluru FC
IN: Salaheddine Bahi, 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
Bengaluru FC let go of all their foreigners from last season, including Aleksandar Jovanovic, who joined the club in 2022. Edgar Mendez, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Pedro Capó and Alberto Noguera, all making vital contributions to help the team reach the ISL final in April 2025, left after just one season. Among the Indian player departures are Harsh Patre and Jessel Carneiro, while Halicharan Narzary joined I-League outfit Diamond Harbour FC on loan.
Players exiting the club might be in greater numbers, but the Blues have made some welcoming moves in the summer window, including two new foreign additions. 31-year-old Moroccan centre-back Salaheddine Bahi joins the ranks on a free transfer, having spent the entirety of his career in his nation, while also having a brief spell in Saudi Arabia. Another experienced and exciting signing has been of 32-year-old Argentinian attacking midfielder Braian Sánchez from Club Deportivo Riestra, a club in the nation’s first-tier. Another important addition to the position has been Sirozhiddin Kuziev, the Uzbek joins the club on a free transfer after extensive experience for his nation’s league.
However, the transfer that Bengaluru fans have been excited about is Ashique Kuruniyan’s return 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, especially when the squad lacks a proper option to pose danger on that flank. He hopes to bring his trophy-winning experience to help the club end its six-year trophy drought.
Chennaiyin FC
OUT: Kiyan Nassiri, Lukas Brambilla, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Vincy Barretto, Prateek Kumar Singh, Connor Shields, Ryan Edwards, Edwin Sydney Vanspaul, Praful Kumar YV
Chennaiyin FC are among the clubs this season that have not made any additions to their squad for the upcoming season due to the prolonged standoff. They 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 Vincy Barretto joined Jamshedpur FC for more playtime. 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
OUT: Cy Goddard, Abdul Rabeeh, Lenny Rodrigues, Soyal Joshy, Stefan Sapic, Mohammed Kaif (on loan), Stefan Sapic, Aaryan Anjaneya
Hyderabad FC has relocated its base to Delhi and will compete as a new entity named Sporting Club Delhi after experiencing financial mismanagement over the years. It led to a new ownership and eventually a fresh start in October 2025 with a different franchise name. The Nizams, already facing an internal crisis, were further hindered by an external issue, preventing the club from making new signings during the window. They parted ways with many stars again to lower the wage bill, including their poster boy, Abdul Rabeeh, to FC Goa, along with midfield general Lenny Rodrigues, who will play in the Kerala Super League. Cy Goddard and Stefan Sapic have been released for free.
East Bengal FC
IN: Jay Gupta, Edmund Lalrindika, Martand Raina, Miguel Figueira, Hamid Ahadad, Mohammed Rashid, Kevin Sibille, Hiroshi Ibusuki, Bipin Singh, Ramsanga
OUT: Dimitrios Diamantakos, Madih Talal, Richard Celis, Raphaël Messi Bouli, Hijazi Maher, Nishu Kumar, Mark Zothanpuia, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Héctor Yuste
East Bengal FC has again gone for a squad overhaul this season, hoping to finally end their frustration of not finishing among the top six in the ISL since joining the league in 2020, depending on the playoff format being retained. 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. 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 making a steady name for himself in the Bangladesh league with Basundhara Kings. He scored 32 goals in 48 appearances and won numerous titles in three seasons there.
The Red and Gold have added two new strikers to the squad, with the Moroccan Hamid Ahadad joining from Maghreb Fez, but the Japanese Hiroshi Ibusuki holds more expectations and looks to be the preferred member in the starting eleven. The 34-year-old has extensive experience playing in leagues in Spain, Japan and Australia, scoring 112 goals. Mohammed Rashid is a midfield steel whereas Kevin Sibille might turn out to be the ideal foreign centre-back the club longed for some time. There have been headline-making departures, too, with Dimitrios Diamantakos parting ways after being unable to settle with the torchbearers, although the decision made by the club divided the officials. Madih Talal also failed to impress, arriving with a huge reputation from Punjab FC last summer, with his season cut short due to a knee injury. He joins Hijazi Maher, Héctor Yuste and Nishu Kumar, among others, to head for the exit door.
FC Goa
IN: Abdul Rabeeh, Javi Siverio, David Timor, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Ronney Willson Kharbudon, Harsh Patre
OUT: Jay Gupta, Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh, Rowlin Borges, Laxmikant Kattimani, Aaron D'Silva, Alan Saji, Glan Martins (End of loan)
FC Goa was also busy in the summer transfer window, having become the first team to win the Super Cup twice in the last edition, which secured them a spot in the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League. One of their early signings, Javier Siverio, even scored the winner in the 2-1 win against Al Saeeb in the qualifiers, helping the team qualify for the group stage of the competition. The 27-year-old has already become a household name in the ISL due to his exploits with erstwhile Hyderabad FC, East Bengal and Jamshedpur FC, hoping to make his best outing in his career with the Gaurs.
The other top foreigner snapped up by Manolo Marquez’s side is David Timor Copovi, capable of playing both in defence and in midfield. The 35-year-old player has competed in various divisions in Spain while representing nine different clubs. The key Indian imports to the team are talented defender Ronney Willson Kharbudon from I-League side Shillong Lajong, midfielder Harsh Patre from Bengaluru FC and experienced left-back Jerry Lalrinzuala from Odisha FC.
However, the departures have taken the spotlight more as FC Goa went through a major reshuffle this summer. Flashy left-back Jay Gupta went to East Bengal after electrifying two seasons with the club, joined by one of ISL’s best midfielders in history, Carl McHugh, who has also departed. Rowlin Borges, Laxmikant Kattimani and Aaron D'Silva have all also sought new destinations. The main miss out of all will be of centre-back Odei Onaindia, who became one of the best in his role since arriving in India in 2023.
Inter Kashi
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
Inter Kashi was 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. Hence, it was impossible to complete any transfers due to all the uncertainties. There have been only departures in this window, with the departure of star midfielder Edmund Lalrindika to East Bengal the sole one making a profit for the club. Others left on a free, including former ISL Shield-winning midfielder Joni Kauko, last season’s top scorer for the team, Nikola Stojanovic and other foreigners in the team like Domi Berlanga and David Humanes. Top Indian players like experienced defenders Narayan Das and Sarthak Golui, alongside Bijoy and Prasanth, all sought new adventures. Inter Kashi is left to refigure their squad that led to the silverware, but is depleted.
Jamshedpur FC
IN: Vincy Barretto, Madih Talal, Raphaël Messi Bouli, Suhair VP, Jayesh Rane, Nishu Kumar, Sarthak Golui, Manvir Singh, Mark Zothanpuia, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Jestin George, Praful Kumar YV, Germanpreet Singh, Nikola Stojanovic, Calvin Rosario Baretto
OUT: Javi Siverio, Jordan Murray, Javi Hernández, Muhammad Uvais, Seiminlen Doungel, Wungngayam Muirang, Aniket Jadhav, Samir Murmu
Jamshedpur FC made great business this summer window to build on their best season in ISL history, where they reached the semifinals in the playoffs after finishing fifth in the league stage under Khalid Jamil. However, Jamil took the Indian Men’s national team duty in August 2025. 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 class shown at Punjab FC, then he will certainly be the key architect to drive the club forward. Another top transfer has been of midfield dynamo Jayesh Rane, who will also bring his title-winning mentality to the squad. The biggest departures from the squad have been of Jordan Murray and one of the iconic players in league history, Javi Hernandez, both ending their seven-year stay in India.
Kerala Blasters
IN: Amey Ranawade, Koldo Obieta, Arsh Shaikh, Tiago Alves, Juan Rodriguez, Likmabam Rakesh (on loan)
OUT: Jesus Jimenez, Kwame Peprah, Milos Drincic, Bryce Miranda, Ishan Pandita, Saurav Mandal, Likmabam Rakesh (on loan), Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Prabir Das
Hoping to replace their eighth-place finish last season and poor showing in the last Super Cup, Kerala Blasters made some crucial additions to the squad, including star right-back Amey Ranawade. The 27-year-old has won titles wherever he has gone in his career and Blasters will be wanting him to follow the trend to finally end the club’s long pursuit for a trophy. Koldo Obieta, Tiago Alves and Juan Rodriguez are the new foreign contingent to the squad. Captured from Mohun Bagan, Arsh Shaikh is a key import to the goalkeeper position. Two forward recruits from last season, Jesus Jimenez and Kwame Peprah, were released by the club, as is Milos Drincic, who has been a mainstay in defence since joining in 2023. Bryce Miranda, Ishan Pandita and Prabir Das are ṭhe high-profile Indian departures from the club.
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, Sachu Siby, Tanmoy Ghosh, Thokchom James Singh
Like some clubs on this list, Mohammedan SC has been struggling with internal issues, which the uncertainty of the league has exacerbated. The Black Panthers are experiencing administrative problems for some time and the absence of a new investor agreement has put the club's operations at risk. Hence, the club has hardly done any business this summer, with players leaving on a free transfer. Manvir Singh has joined Jamshedpur FC, Captain Alexis Gomez and Carlos Franca have moved to Indonesia, while the last edition’s Santosh Trophy golden boot winner, Robi Hansda, has joined fellow Kolkata side Calcutta Customs.
Mohun Bagan SG
IN: Kiyan Nassiri, Robson Robinho, Mehtab Singh, Tekcham Abhishek Singh
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. Although the club controversially withdrew from the AFC Champions League for the second consecutive year, they are participating in various competitions this season, having already secured the IFA Shield in October 2025. 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 and winning multiple titles with Mumbai City FC. Meanwhile, the highlight departure from the club is of Ashique Kuruniyan, who joined Bengaluru FC.
Mumbai City FC
IN: Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Amandeep Singh, Zothanpuia, Lalnuntluanga, Bijay Chhetri, Dhruv Alva
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
The big incoming for Mumbai City FC has been 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 as the club has gone for a major reshuffle of their 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. After spending two seasons on loan at Odisha FC, Amey Ranawade left the club permanently to sign for Kerala Blasters. The islanders have prioritised the signing of more youth prospects this window, as proven by the capture of talents with an average age of 22.
NorthEast United
IN: Chema Núñez, Jairo Samperio, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, Andy Rodriguez, Lalbiakdika
OUT: Hamza Regragui, Nestor Albiach, Mirshad K. Michu, Sumit Rathi, Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh
Back-to-back Durand Cup winners NorthEast United have caught the eye with their impressive transfer as they continue to build on their massive progress under Juan Pedro Benali. Narrowly missing out on the ISL semifinal last time, the Highlanders have produced interesting foreign signings, with all three having vast experience of playing in various divisions in Spain. Among them, Jairo Samperio is a tantalising arrival, so to speak, as he has played with Las Palmas, Malaga CF and Sevilla while also plying trade with Mainz and Hamburg in Germany.
The Indian signings have also raised the excitement levels among fans, especially for the 25-year-old star striker Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, who broke 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 legend Sunil Chhetri. He pairing with or alternating with another record-breaker, Alaeddin Alajarie, upfront could give defences a nightmare. Same-aged Lalbiakdika is another addition to the stacked forward line for the new season.
While the incomings strengthen the team, Juan Pedro Benali’s men had to let go of many stars that were integral to the club’s uprising in the last few seasons. Creator in chief Nestor Albiach went to the Thai League after two memorable seasons with the club, while first-choice goalkeeper for a while, Mirshad Michu, also headed for the exit door. Midfield lynchpin Mohammed Ali Bemammer, Phalguni Singh, Hamza Regragui and Sumit Rathi are the other players who departed the club in this transfer window.
Odisha FC
IN: Vanlalzuidika, K Lalrinfela
OUT: Jerry Lalrinzuala, Diego Mauricio, Roy Krishna, Dorielton, Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Mourtada Fall, Raynier Fernandes
Odisha FC has decided to suspend operations until the league resumes, so they have not taken part in other competitions. As a result, their summer plans have been severely affected. The release of key stars who have contributed wholly to the club’s rise under Sergio Lobera has been the major talking point around the Kalinga Warriors. The most significant one was the fifth-most goalscorer in ISL and 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 and Mourtada Fall, also ended their long-term stay in ISL, playing for various clubs. The two Jerrys, Lalrinzuala and Mawihmingthanga, who have been associated with the club for seasons, have also sought new places to resume their career.
Punjab FC
IN: Muhammad Uvais, Bijoy Varghese, Samir Zeljkovic, Dani Ramirez, Likmabam Rakesh (on loan), Pablo Santos, Effiong Nsungusi,
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, Likmabam Rakesh
Punjab FC aims to overcome their disappointing finishes since being promoted to ISL in 2023, with some promising signings this transfer window. Among the Indian contingent, Muhammad Uvais and Bijoy Varghese are reinforcements to look forward to in defence. The former replaces the much-demanded Abhishek Singh, after the 20-year-old talented full-back joined ISL Shield winners Mohun Bagan. The foreign signings are experienced, with centre-back Pablo Santos the pick of the bunch, having spent most of his career in the top division of the Portuguese leagues and also playing trade in Russia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia after moving out from Brazil. On the other hand, the Shers have released their foreigners from last season and their acclaimed striker Luka Majcen, who joined Diamond Harbour FC in West Bengal.
