Punjab FC, the first-ever team to earn promotion into the Indian Super League (ISL) in 2023-24, had a promising debut season. Although the Shers missed out on the playoffs, their eighth-place finish was commendable for a team new to the top flight, ending just three points behind Chennaiyin FC, who secured sixth place.
The Shers struggled initially, going winless in their first ten matches, but rallied strongly after the mid-season break, winning six of their remaining 12 games. With this newfound momentum, Punjab FC aims to make a more significant push for the playoff spots in the upcoming 2024-25 season under new head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis.
The team also performed admirably in the Durand Cup, going unbeaten in the group stages, which featured Kerala Blasters FC and Mumbai City FC (both fielding reserve squads). Their quarter-final clash with Mohun Bagan Super Giant ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, where the Shers were knocked out only on penalties.
Summer Transfer Window: Team Composition and Transfer Dealings
Punjab FC has experienced some key departures, with Madih Talal, Juan Mera, Wilmar Jordan, and Prasanth K leaving the squad. However, they have bolstered their ranks by retaining their star striker Luka Majcen, who netted eight goals last season, and bringing in fresh talent, particularly in the foreign player department.
Notable additions include attackers like Ezequiel Vidal and Mushaga Bakenga, while defenders Ivan Novoselec and midfielder Filip Mrzljak will add experience and quality across the field. Vinit Rai’s arrival from Mumbai City FC also strengthens their midfield. Meanwhile, Indian youngsters like Nihal Sudeesh, Ashis Pradhan, and Khaimingthang Lhungdim, who showed potential during the Durand Cup, will look to make an impact in the ISL.
Key Signings In
- Ezequiel Vidal (from Persita Tangerang)
- Ivan Novoselec (from Istiklol Dushanbe)
- Mushaga Bakenga (from Apollon Limassol)
- Princeton Rebello (from Odisha FC)
- Filip Mrzljak (from HNK Gorica)
- Luka Majcen (re-joined Punjab FC)
- Ninthoinganba Meetei (from Chennaiyin FC)
- Nihal Sudeesh (on loan from Kerala Blasters FC)
- Vinit Rai (from Mumbai City FC)
- Muheet Shabir (from Real Kashmir FC)
Key Transfers Out
- Dimitrios Chatziisaias (End of Contract)
- Madih Talal (End of Contract)
- Luka Majcen (End of Contract)
- Juan Mera (End of Contract)
- Wilmar Jordan Gil (End of Contract)
- Bidyashagar Singh (End of Contract)
- Sahil Tavora (End of Loan)
- Isaac Vanmalsawma (End of Contract)
- Mohammed Salah (End of Contract)
- Amarjit Singh Kiyam (End of Contract)
- Krishnananda (End of Contract)
- Daniel Lalhlimpuia (End of Contract)
- Prasanth K (End of Contract)
- Sweden Fernandes (End of Loan)
Punjab FC Strengths
Youthful Squad with Depth: Punjab FC has a young squad with several up-and-coming players like Nihal Sudeesh and Khaimingthang Lhungdim, alongside experienced hands such as Luka Majcen and Vinit Rai. This combination provides the energy and exuberance needed for a long season, and young players have been given plenty of game time under Dilmperis.
Solid Defensive Additions: The arrival of Ivan Novoselec and the retention of key defenders from last season means that Punjab FC now has a more robust defensive setup. Novoselec’s leadership and tactical awareness will add much-needed stability at the back.
Momentum from Last Season: Punjab FC ended the last season strongly, winning six of their final 12 games. That form, combined with their encouraging Durand Cup performances, will provide the squad with confidence heading into ISL 2024-25.
Punjab FC Weaknesses
Inconsistent Attack: While Luka Majcen remains the focal point in attack, Punjab FC lacks a proven alternative goal-scorer. The Shers may struggle in matches where Majcen is tightly marked or unavailable. Their ability to convert chances into goals will be crucial, and new signings like Mushaga Bakenga must step up to provide additional firepower.
Relatively Unproven Squad: While the squad has some experience in the ISL, a significant portion of their team remains relatively untested at the highest level. Consistency over a long and demanding ISL campaign could become an issue, especially when competing with more experienced teams.
Heavy Reliance on Youngsters: While youthful exuberance is a strength, the lack of experience in certain areas of the squad could lead to defensive lapses and pressure situations. Their young stars must adapt quickly to the rigours of ISL football.
Key Players
Luka Majcen
The 35-year-old Slovenian forward was Punjab FC’s joint top scorer last season with eight goals and is a crucial figure in their attack.
His experience in Indian football, now entering his fourth season, makes him a valuable leader who can guide the new foreign recruits and mentor the younger squad members.
Vinit Rai
The 26-year-old midfielder brings a wealth of ISL experience, having played with several top clubs. His versatility in the middle of the park, combined with his ability to break up play and contribute going forward, makes him a vital cog for Punjab FC.
Rai has already made an impression with a strong Durand Cup campaign, even getting on the scoresheet.
Punjab FC FC Full Squad for ISL 2024-25
Goalkeepers
- Ayush Deshwal
- Muheet Shabir Khan
- Ravi Kumar Punia
Defenders
- Ivan Novoselec
- Khaiminthang Lhungdim
- Likmabam Rakesh Singh Meitei
- Melroy Melwin Assisi
- Nikhil Prabhu
- Nitesh Darjee
- Pramveer Singh
- Suresh Meitei Nongmeikapam
- Tekcham Abhishek Singh
- Yendrembam Denechandra Meitei
Midfielders
- Ashish Pradhan
- Asmir Suljić
- Filip Mrzljak
- Khumanthem Ninthoinganba Meetei
- Leon Augustine Asokan
- Manglenthang Kipgen
- Ricky John Shabong
- Samuel James Lyngdoh Kynshi
- Shami Singamayum
- Vinit Rai Chamling
Forwards
- Luka Majcen
- Muhammad Suhail F
- Mushagalusa Bakenga Joar Bahati Namugunga
- Nihal Sudheesh
- Norberto Ezequiel Vidal
Predicted Best XI
Formation- 4-2-3-1
- Goalkeeper: Ravi Kumar
- Defenders: Nikhil Prabhu, Ivan Novoselec, Abhishek Singh, Ashis Pradhan
- Midfielders: Vinit Rai, Filip Mrzljak, Ezequiel Vidal
- Forwards: Ninthoinganba Meetei, Nihal Sudeesh, Luka Majcen
Final Thoughts and Predictions
The Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis steps into the Punjab FC dugout with more than a decade of coaching experience, mainly in his homeland. Dilmperis is known for his talent development, as seen during the Durand Cup where he integrated several young players into the squad. With an average squad age of just 24.2, he has a promising group to work with as he looks to implement his preferred style of play.
Dilmperis generally favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling the ball and staying organized defensively while allowing his attackers creative freedom. After a full pre-season under his belt, the Greek coach should have a greater impact on the team in the ISL.
Punjab FC will kick off their ISL campaign with a challenging trip to Kochi to face Kerala Blasters FC. It will be a stern test for new head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis, but their fixture list softens somewhat after the opener, with three of their next four games being played at home. The Shers will end the calendar year with a crucial clash against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, which could set the tone for the rest of their campaign.
Punjab FC enters ISL 2024-25 with renewed optimism. After a respectable debut season and a productive transfer window, the Shers are poised to push for a playoff spot. If their new signings can gel quickly, and the young talents continue their upward trajectory, Punjab FC could well be one of the surprise packages of the upcoming season.
When is Punjab FC’s first match of the ISL 2024-25 season?
Punjab FC will kick off their ISL campaign with a challenging trip to Kochi to face Kerala Blasters FC.
