As the Indian Super League (ISL) gears up for its 2024-25 season, the summer transfer window has been a whirlwind of activity, with clubs across the league reshaping their squads in a bid to achieve their aspirations. From underperforming giants looking for redemption to newly promoted sides eager to make their mark, every team has made significant moves. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the transfers completed so far.
Bengaluru FC: A Season of Overhaul
After a disastrous 2023-24 season that saw them languishing in 10th place, Bengaluru FC has initiated a major squad revamp. The Blues have brought in Lalthuammawia Ralte and Pedro Capo, hoping to strengthen their spine. However, the club has also witnessed an exodus of players, including Olivier Drost, Slavko Damjanovic, and fan-favorite Javi Hernandez, among others. This season, all eyes will be on how the new arrivals gel with the existing squad to turn their fortunes around.
Incomings: Lalthuammawia Ralte, Pedro Capo
Outgoings: Olivier Drost, Slavko Damjanovic, Amrit Gope, Vikram Singh, Javi Hernandez, Rohit Kumar, Robin Yadav, Amay Morajkar, Lara Sharma, Shankar Sampingraj
Chennaiyin FC: Building on Momentum
Despite having a less-than-stellar squad on paper, Chennaiyin FC reached the playoffs last season under Owen Coyle’s stewardship. The Marina Machans have been proactive in the transfer market, adding a mix of experience and youth to their ranks. The acquisition of Gurkirat Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, and Kiyan Nassiri, among others, has bolstered their lineup, while key players like Connor Shields and Jiteshwor Singh have committed their futures to the club.
Incomings: Gurkirat Singh, Mandar Rao Dessai, Kiyan Nassiri, Wilmar Jordan Gil, Daniel Chima Chukwu, Laldinpuia, Elsinho, Lukas Brambilla, Mohammad Nawaz, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy
Outgoings: Rafael Crivellaro
Contract Extension: Connor Shields, Samik Mitra, Ryan Edwards, Jiteshwor Singh
East Bengal: Aiming for Revival
East Bengal’s ISL campaign last season was far from impressive, but a historic silverware win has earned them a spot in Asia. The Kolkata giants are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market. New signings, including Dimitrios Diamantakos and Hector Yuste, indicate a clear intent to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The club has also secured the services of key players like Saul Crespo and Cleiton Silva on extended contracts.
Incomings: Dimitrios Diamantakos, David Lalhlasanga, Mark Zothanpuia, Madih Talal, Provat Lakra, Debjit Majumder, Jeakson Singh, Hector Yuste, Anwar Ali
Outgoings: Mobashir Rahman
Contract Extension: Saul Crespo, Cleiton Silva, Hijazi Maher, Mohamad Rakip, Nishu Kumar
FC Goa: Filling the Void
After narrowly missing out on the ISL title last season, FC Goa faces the challenge of replacing several departing stars. The club has responded by bringing in notable signings like Lara Sharma and Iker Guarrotxena, hoping to fill the gaps left by players like Noah Sadaoui and Brandon Fernandes. Contract extensions for key figures such as Jay Gupta and Odei Oneindia suggest that FC Goa is keen on maintaining continuity while integrating fresh talent.
Incomings: Lara Sharma, Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Dražić, Alan Saji, Sanatomba Singh Yanglem, Armando Sadiku, Borja Herrera, Laxmikant Kattimani
Outgoings: Noah Sadaoui, Brandon Fernandes, Carlos Martinez, Dheeraj Singh, Sanson Pereira, Saviour Gama
Contract Extension: Jay Gupta, Odei Oneindia, Arshdeep Singh, Raynier Fernandes
Hyderabad FC: Financial Struggles Overshadow Transfer Plans
Hyderabad FC’s transfer activities have been overshadowed by financial turmoil, including potential FIFA sanctions. With no significant incomings or outgoings, the club’s focus remains on resolving its financial issues. Fans will be eager to see how Hyderabad navigates this turbulent period and whether they can strengthen their squad before the window closes.
Jamshedpur FC: A Complete Revamp
Jamshedpur FC is undergoing a complete overhaul after losing several key players from last season. The arrival of talents like Sreekuttan VS and Albino Gomes, coupled with the acquisition of experienced campaigners like Stephen Eze and Javi Hernandez, indicates a fresh start for the Red Miners. With a blend of youth and experience, Jamshedpur FC will be looking to climb up the table this season.
Incomings: Sreekuttan VS, Albino Gomes, Amrit Gope, Samir Murmu, Mobashir Rahman, Stephen Eze, Javi Hernandez, Shubham Sarangi, Aniket Jadhav, Ashutosh Mehta
Outgoings: Elsinho, Laldinpuia, Daniel Chima Chukwu, Jitendra Singh
Contract Extension: Rei Tachikawa, Seiminlen Doungel, Javier Siverio, Pronay Halder
Kerala Blasters: Seeking Consistency
Kerala Blasters’ playoff qualification last season was a testament to their potential, but inconsistency cost them dearly. With Mikael Stahre at the helm, the Blasters have made some key signings, including Likmabam Rakesh and Alexandre Coeff. However, the departure of players like Marko Leskovic and Dimitrios Diamantakos will require the new arrivals to step up quickly if the Blasters are to make a deeper run this season.
Incomings: Likmabam Rakesh, Som Kumar, R Lalthanmawia, Nora Fernandes, Noah Sadaoui, Alexandre Coeff
Outgoings: Marko Leskovic, Dimitrios Diamantakos, Fedor Cerynch, Daisuke Sakai, Karanjit Singh, Jeakson Singh
Contract Extension: Adrian Luna, Milos Drincic, Sandeep Singh
Mohammedan S.C.: A New Challenge
As the second team to be promoted to the ISL, Mohammedan S.C. faces a new challenge in the top flight. The Kolkata-based club has seen a significant number of players depart, including David Lalhlasanga and Juan Nellar. The only notable incoming so far is Fahad Temuri, suggesting that the club may be looking to build gradually rather than making wholesale changes.
Incomings: Fahad Temuri
Outgoings: David Lalhlasanga, Bedashwor Singh, Biaka Jongte, James Kithan, Evgeny Kozlov, Karan Deep, Abhash Thapa, Juan Nellar, Abhijit Sarkar
Mohun Bagan Super Giant: Ambition and Intent
Mohun Bagan Super Giant narrowly missed out on a domestic treble last season and will be looking to set things right this time around. The return of Jose Molina as head coach signals a new chapter for the Mariners. The club has made high-profile signings, including Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia) and Jamie Maclaren, while also retaining key players like Dimitri Petratos. The stakes are high, and Mohun Bagan’s ambitious transfer dealings reflect their intent.
Incomings: Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia), Tom Aldred, Alberto Rodriguez, Greg Stewart, Jamie Maclaren, Dheeraj Singh
Outgoings: Hnamte, Kiyan Nassiri, Hector Yutse, Brendon Hamil, Joni Kauko, Hugo Boumous
Contract Extension: Dimitri Petratos
Mumbai City: Defending the Title
Mumbai City emerged as champions last season under Petr Kratky, and the club has been strategic in their summer acquisitions. The addition of Brandon Fernandes and TP Rehenesh, among others, strengthens an already formidable squad. The Islanders have also secured contract extensions for several key players, ensuring stability as they aim to defend their title.
Incomings: Brandon Fernandes, TP Rehenesh, Noufal PN, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, Jérémy Manzorro, Hardik Bhatt, Jon Toral, Sahil Panwar, Nikolaos Karelis, Hitesh Sharma, Supratim Das
Outgoings: Rahul Bheke, Jorge Pererya Diaz, Vinit Rai, Alberto Noguera, Mohammad Nawaz, Yakub Vojtus, Gurkirat Singh, Bhaskar Roy, Rowlin Borges, Tondonba Singh, Naocha Singh, Lalengmawia Ralte (Apuia)
Contract Extension: Valpuia, Tiri, Jayesh Rane, Lallianzuala Chhangte
NorthEast United: Aiming for Progress
NorthEast United narrowly missed out on the playoffs last season, and they are determined to improve. The club has made a couple of signings, including Mayakkannan Muthu and Guillermo Fernández, while parting ways with several players. The extension of contracts for key defenders like Bemmamer and Asheer Akhtar shows that the Highlanders are focusing on maintaining a solid foundation.
Incomings: Mayakkannan Muthu, Guillermo Fernández
Outgoings: Manvir Singh, Gani Nikam, Gaurav Bora, Hira Mondal, Rochharzela
Contract Extension: Bemmamer, Asheer Akhtar
Odisha FC: Eyes on the Prize
Odisha FC’s campaign last season was marred by missed opportunities, and head coach Sergio Lobera is keen to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. The club has made some exciting signings, including Rohit Kumar and Hugo Boumous, and will be looking to build on last season’s promise. Contract renewals for Carlos Delgado and Roy Krishna provide a mix of stability and firepower.
Incomings: Rohit Kumar, Hugo Boumous, Raynier Fernandes, Rahim Ali
Outgoings: CY Goddard, Aniket Jadhav, Michael Sossairaj, Pranjal Bhumij, Princeton Rebello, Sahil
Contract Extension: Carlos Delgado, Roy Krishna
Punjab FC: A Fresh Start
Punjab FC had a decent debut season but are looking to refresh their squad entirely this year. With a new foreign contingent and coach, Punjab FC has brought in multiple new faces, including Filip Mrzljak and Ezequiel Vidal. The club has also secured contract extensions for key players, indicating a balanced approach between continuity and renewal.
Incomings: Vinit Rai, Muheet Shabir, Ninthoinganba Meetei, Nihal Sudeesh, Filip Mrzljak, Ivan Novoselec, Mushaga Bakenga, Ezequiel Vidal
Outgoings: Dimitrios Chatziisaias, Mohammad Salah K, Amarjit Singh, Madih Talal, Sahil Tavora, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Krishnanda Singh, Juan Mera, Luka Majcen, Daniel Lahlimpuia, Jordan Wilmar Gil
Contract Extension: Ashis Pradhan, Ricky Shabong, Manglenthang Kipgen, Suresh Meitei, Ravi Kumar
As the summer transfer window continues to unfold, the 2024-25 ISL season promises to be one of the most competitive yet. With clubs making bold moves in the market, fans can expect a thrilling campaign filled with surprises and intense competition.