Mumbai City FC, one of Indian football’s most formidable sides, enters the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season with a clear goal—total dominance. As the only realistic challengers to the reign of Mohun Bagan Super Giant, apart from Odisha FC, the Islanders will be eager to reclaim the ISL Shield and defend their ISL Cup crown.
Having lifted the ISL Cup last season after defeating Bagan in a thrilling final, Mumbai City FC will seek to add consistency to their campaign. They narrowly missed out on the ISL Shield, surrendering it in the final moments of the season. However, this year, coach Petr Kratky and his team have their sights set on success from the very first match.
Mumbai City FC opted for an extensive pre-season in Thailand, forgoing the Durand Cup, where they would have fielded a younger side. Their pre-season training featured several friendlies in challenging conditions, offering Kratky’s squad valuable match experience and fitness. Though they did not send their first team to the Durand Cup, their preparation in Thailand is likely to benefit them as they gear up for the upcoming ISL campaign.
Summer Transfer Window
Mumbai City FC, backed by the City Football Group, remains financially robust and continues to attract top-tier talent. This summer, they’ve made key signings to bolster an already formidable squad. The acquisition of Jeremy Manzorro, a key figure for Jamshedpur FC, stands out as one of their marquee signings. Additionally, Jon Toral, an attacking midfielder from Greek side OFI Crete FC, brings creativity and experience to the midfield.
The Islanders’ attack will be further strengthened by the arrival of Nikolaos Karelis, who is expected to lead the line, while the return of Brandon Fernandes has raised eyebrows across the league. The Indian captain, who opted not to renew his contract with FC Goa, makes a surprising return to Mumbai City FC, where he first played in the ISL.
Forward Hitesh Sharma and goalkeeper TP Rehenesh also join the squad, adding depth and strength to their Indian contingent. However, the departure of key players like Apuia to Mohun Bagan and hometown hero Rahul Bheke to Bengaluru FC will be keenly felt.
This season’s Mumbai City squad appears slightly lighter on paper, but they still boast a strong core of six quality foreigners, all of whom bring valuable ISL experience. Tiri, Thaer Krouma, and Yoell van Nieff continue to anchor the side, ensuring stability and continuity in the squad.
Indian stars like Lallianzuala Chhangte will lead the domestic lineup, with youthful talents such as Ayush Chikkara, Valpuia, Sahil Panwar, and Franklin Nazareth hungry to prove their worth.
Key Transfers In
- Thaer Krouma (Re-joined Mumbai City FC)
- Supratim Das (Joined from Reliance Foundation Young Champs)
- Hitesh Sharma (On loan from Odisha FC)
- Hardik Bhatt (Joined from Rajasthan United)
- Sahil Panwar (Joined from Odisha FC)
- Nikolaos Karelis (Joined from Panetolikos GFS)
- Daniel Lalhlimpuia (Joined from Punjab FC)
- Jon Toral (Joined from OFI Crete FC)
- Jeremy Manzorro (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
- Jayesh Rane (Joined from Bengaluru FC)
- TP Rehenesh (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
- Noufal P.N (Joined from Gokulam Kerala)
- Brandon Fernandes (Joined from FC Goa)
Key Transfers Out
- Amey Ranawade (Out on Loan to Odisha FC)
- Apuia (Joined Mohun Bagan SG)
- Gurkirat Singh (End of Contract)
- Jakub Vojtus (End of Contract)
- Mohammad Nawaz (End of Contract)
- Naocha Singh (End of Contract)
- Bhaskar Singh (End of Contract)
- Rowllin Borges (End of Contract)
- Tondomba Singh (End of Contract)
- Alberto Noguera (End of Contract)
- Vinit Rai (End of Contract)
- Jorge Pereyra Diaz (End of Contract)
- Rahul Bheke (End of Contract)
FC Goa Strengths
Solid Defensive Core: With Tiri and Mehtab Singh at the back and Yoell van Nieff shielding the defense, Mumbai’s backline is difficult to break down.
Versatile Attack: The combination of Karelis, Chhangte, and Bipin Singh offers pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability.
Youthful Energy: Emerging players like Chikkara and Nazareth add dynamism to an already experienced squad.
FC Goa Weaknesses
Departures of Key Players: Losing Apuia and Rahul Bheke could weaken the side’s depth in key areas.
Injury Concerns: The fitness of Brandon Fernandes and Vikram Pratap Singh remains a question mark ahead of the season.
Key Players to Watch
Ayush Chikkara
A dark horse in Mumbai’s squad, 22-year-old Ayush Chikkara is poised for a breakout season.
Known for his work rate and positioning, Chikkara impressed in the Kalinga Super Cup earlier this year and will be eager to convert potential into goals in the upcoming ISL season.
Brandon Fernandes
Having left his hometown club FC Goa for a return to Mumbai, Brandon Fernandes will be playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Injured during the Intercontinental Cup, Fernandes will be determined to prove his value once he regains fitness. His vision and playmaking skills, especially from dead-ball situations, will be crucial to Mumbai’s chances this season.
Vikram Partap Singh
Vikram had a standout season, netting eight goals for the team, and expectations will be even higher for him in 2024-25. He’s expected to further elevate his performance and ease some of the pressure on Chhangte.
If both Vikram and Chhangte can build on last season’s goal tallies, Mumbai City FC will likely be strong contenders once again.
Mumbai City FC Full Squad for ISL 2024-25
Goalkeepers
- Ahan Prakash
- Phurba Tempa Lachenpa
- Rehenesh Thumbirumbu Paramba
Defenders
- Akash Mishra
- Halen Nongtdu
- Hardik Bhatt
- Hmingthanmawia Ralte
- José Luis Espinosa Arroyo (Tiri)
- Mehtab Singh
- Nathan Asher Rodrigues
- Sahil Panwar
- Sanjeev Stalin
- Thaer Sami Krouma
Midfielders
- Brandon Fernandes
- Franklin Robin Nazareth
- Hitesh Sharma
- Jayesh Dilip Rane
- Jérémy Philippe Bernad Manzorro
- Jon Miquel Toral Harper
- Noufal Puthenveettil Noushad
- Supratim Das
- Yoëll van Nieff
Forwards
- Vikram Partap Singh Sandhu
- Ayush Chhikara
- Bipin Singh Thounajam
- Daniel Lalhlimpuia
- Gyamar Nikum
- Lallianzuala Chhangte
- Nikolaos Karelis
Predicted Starting XI
Formation – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Phurba Lachenpa
Defenders: Sanjeev Stalin, Mehtab Singh, Tiri, Valpuia
Midfielders: Jon Toral, Hitesh Sharma, Yoell van Nieff
Forwards: Lallianzuala Chhangte, Nikolaos Karelis, Bipin Singh
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Mumbai City FC, fresh off an ISL Cup victory, are strong contenders to retain their title this season. With a balanced squad full of experienced international players and promising Indian talent, they are well-equipped to challenge Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the ISL Shield. The Islanders’ ambition is clear—to win both the Cup and the Shield.
Coach Petr Kratky is a sharp tactician, Kratky expertly navigated a challenging season to guide Mumbai City FC to the ISL Cup, narrowly missing out on the League Shield. The Czech head coach reinforced the team’s defense while maintaining their attacking prowess. With a full pre-season and his hand-picked players, Kratky will have the opportunity to leave an even greater mark on the squad.
The season opener on September 13 will see them take on Mohun Bagan in what promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser. Expect Mumbai to be one of the most dangerous sides in the league once again, with every match a battle in their pursuit of domestic glory.
Read More: ISL 2024-25: FC Goa Team Preview: Full Squad, Key Players, New Signings, Strengths and Weaknesses
When is Mumbai City FC’s first match of the ISL 2024-25 season?
The season opener on September 13 will see Mumbai City FC take on Mohun Bagan.
