Indian Football Club Transfers 2025 A New Cycle of Ambition and Growth
Indian football clubs, particularly in the Indian Super League (ISL), have entered a transformative transfer phase ahead of the 2025 26 season. Even amid lingering uncertainty around the league’s continuity, clubs have remained proactive signing experienced internationals, nurturing domestic talent, and reinforcing key departments. This wave of activity reflects both strategic repositioning and a renewed commitment to fostering growth despite external instability.

East Bengal FC, emerging from a mid table finish in the previous season, positioned itself aggressively in the transfer market. They secured national forwards Bipin Singh and Edmund Lalrindika, further strengthened their squad with Martand Raina, a first generation player from Rajasthan United, making history as the state’s pioneering ISL entrant. Center back Jay Gupta also became East Bengal’s record domestic acquisition indicating their readiness to invest in leadership roles and defensive stability. Simultaneously, the club parted ways with key foreign names, enabling a refreshed squad direction under newly appointed Head of Football Thangboi Singto.

Mumbai City FC continued their evolution under coach Petr Kratky, focusing on youth integration and solidifying depth. They brought in promising midfielders like Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung from Sreenidi Deccan and Zothanpuia from Aizawl FC, while Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Díaz arrived to bolster attacking capabilities. These signings align with a reputation for blending seasoned professionals with high potential youngsters. Notably, much of their core retained continuity as Mumbai City chose not to engage in high profile foreign departures during this transfer window.

Kerala Blasters, transitioning from a challenging previous season, revamped their roster with high profile Indian additions. Defender Amey Ranawade joined from Mumbai City, while goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh was recruited from Mohun Bagan Super Giants. The club also welcomed Bikash Yumnam and Kamaljit Singh, both experienced domestic players, signaling a shift toward stabilizing critical positions with homegrown talent. Kerala also parted ways with a handful of players, reflecting a strategic overhaul aiming to revive competitive momentum.

NorthEast United FC embarked on a youth forward strategy by signing Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia, the I League’s recent record breaking top scorer from Aizawl FC. His arrival, coupled with the retention of Moroccan goal getter Alaaeddine Ajaraie, positioned the Highlanders to remain a force with homegrown and continental firepower. The club also added Spanish veterans Andy Rodríguez and Jairo Samperio, who bring European experience and versatility suggesting a balanced mix of flair and maturity in their squad building approach.

Punjab FC also moved decisively in the transfer landscape. They recruited Muhammed Uvais, a left back with strong defensive instincts and build up play, and Bijoy Varghese, a promising centre back. These additions come amid a broader emphasis on reinforcing defensive solidity. The club also revamped its foreign contingent, replacing several overseas players in a bid to reset strategic direction. Meanwhile, midfield anchor Leon Augustine signed a contract extension, ensuring continuity within the squad’s core.

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC made waves with one of the busiest transfer windows. Over a short span, they introduced eight Indian players, prominently featuring midfield veteran Jayesh Rane, who adds leadership and versatility across the park. Additional signings like Albino Gomes, Ashutosh Mehta, and Aniket Jadhav bring a mix of defensive reliability and wing play to the squad. With coach Khalid Jamil securing a second straight AIFF Men's Coach of the Year award, Jamshedpur’s transfer burst is part of building depth ahead of the upcoming Durand Cup campaign and beyond.

Across clubs such as Odisha FC, heavy roster turnover has been notable. The Juggernauts offloaded several high profile foreign players, including Roy Krishna and Diego Mauricio, to reset their squad. At the same time, they brought in additions like Jeremy Zohminghlua and Rohit Kumar, reflecting renewed trust in versatile defenders and midfield reinforcements. Meanwhile, contract renewals for key players such as Saviour Gama and Thoiba Singh underline a desire to retain young domestic stalwarts as the club retools its project.

Transfer Highlights & Strategic Takeaways
Clubs like East Bengal and Jamshedpur have opted for high impact domestic signings combined with strategic foreign investment, suggesting adaptive rebuilding strategies. East Bengal’s historic signing of Martand Raina Rajasthan’s first ISL player points to rising regional representation in top flight clubs. Meanwhile, Jamshedpur’s eight player intake in two days demonstrates clear intent to rebuild depth rapidly.

Mumbai City FC and NorthEast United have pursued sustainable balance Mumbai City through young midfield talent and experienced attackers, and NorthEast United by pairing record breaking strikers with experienced overseas professionals.

Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC prioritized strengthening the backline and goalkeeping setups, indicative of attention to stability in defense as match intensity increases.

Odisha FC’s decision to overhaul foreign personnel while retaining domestic core players and renewing critical contracts shows a carefully managed transition rather than radical upheaval.

Overall, Indian clubs have responded to uncertainty in the league with decisive actions focusing on player quality, critical depth, and resilience. While external circumstances around scheduling remain in flux, the transfer momentum reinforces the long term intent to build competitive, balanced squads that reflect both experienced leadership and emerging talent.