The Indian Super League 2025-26 summer transfer window opened on June 12, 2025, with clubs immediately getting to work strengthening their squads. Despite the league facing uncertainty due to contractual disputes between AIFF and FSDL, several teams made significant moves. The transfer window closed on August 31, 2025, with multiple notable signings and departures across all 14 clubs competing in Season 12.
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Major Transfer Stories
The biggest early headline was Roy Krishna leaving Odisha FC, unsettling their front line significantly. Bengaluru FC witnessed Jorge Pereyra Díaz’s departure, leaving Simon Grayson’s side short on forwards. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, the reigning ISL champions, made only one confirmed re-signing with Tom Alfred, keeping their options open heading into the season.
Club-by-Club Transfer Summary
| Club | Key Incomings | Key Outgoings | Notable Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru FC | Salaheddine Bahi, Jaspreet Singh, Ashique Kuruniyan | Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Edgar Mendez, Aleksandar Jovanovic | Released all foreign players from previous season |
| East Bengal FC | Edmund Lalrindika, Bipin Singh, Martand Raina, Miguel Figueira | Cleiton Silva, Hector Yuste, Richard Celis | Building competitive squad after disappointing season |
| FC Goa | Ronney Wilson, David Timor, Pol Moreno, Javier Siverio | Multiple departures | Super Cup winners reinforcing squad |
| Mumbai City FC | Lalnuntluanga Bawitlung, Jorge Pereyra Diaz, Zothanpuia | Bipin Singh, Jayesh Rane, Nikolas Karelis | Leveraging City Football Group scouting |
| Jamshedpur FC | Vincy Barretto, Madih Talal, Jayesh Rane | Jordan Murray, Javi Hernandez | Building on semifinal appearance |
| Kerala Blasters FC | Foreign attackers added | Departures | Reinforcing after season without silverware |
| Mohun Bagan SG | Tom Aldred (re-signed) | Minimal departures | Champions keeping squad intact |
| Odisha FC | Various signings | Roy Krishna (major departure) | Rebuilding after Krishna departure |
| Hyderabad FC | Multiple signings | Player departures | Squad restructuring underway |
| Chennaiyin FC | Signings announced | Departures including key players | Rebuilding under new management |
| NorthEast United FC | Squad additions | Various departures | Strengthening core group |
| Punjab FC | Summer signings | Departues from established squad | Building competitive team |
| Inter Kashi | I-League promoted club additions | Various | New entrant to ISL |
| Mohammedan SC | Competitive squad building | Departues after poor season | Rebuilding after bottom finish |
Notable Transfer Movements
Kerala Blasters brought in foreign attackers after another season without silverware, seeking to strengthen their attacking department. Mumbai City FC, leveraging City Football Group’s advanced scouting network, added overseas reinforcements to ease the load on Lallianzuala Chhangte.
Jamshedpur FC made significant business this summer, building on their best season in ISL history where they reached the semifinals. The departures of Jordan Murray and Javi Hernandez, iconic players with seven-year stints in India, marked the end of an era for the Miners.
Impact of League Uncertainty
The transfer market was significantly disrupted by uncertainty regarding the league’s future. In July 2025, the league was put on hold due to disagreement between FSDL and AIFF over the Master Rights Agreement extension. This uncertainty prevented some clubs from making signings, forcing them to suspend operations until the issue was resolved.
Several clubs were unable to complete planned transfers due to financial constraints caused by the uncertainty. Some teams opted to delay significant spending until the January 2026 window, hoping for clearer direction on the league’s status.
FAQs
Q: When did the ISL 2025-26 summer transfer window open and close? A: The window opened on June 12, 2025, and closed on August 31, 2025, giving clubs nearly three months to complete transfers.
Q: Why was the transfer window disrupted in 2025? A: The league faced uncertainty due to contractual disputes between FSDL and AIFF regarding the Master Rights Agreement extension, causing some clubs to suspend transfer operations temporarily.
Q: Which club made the biggest transfer changes this summer? A: Bengaluru FC made significant changes, releasing all foreign players from the previous season and signing new recruits including Salaheddine Bahi, Jaspreet Singh, and Ashique Kuruniyan.
Q: Did Mohun Bagan Super Giant make major signings? A: The reigning champions were conservative, making only one confirmed re-signing with Tom Alfred, keeping their championship-winning squad largely intact.
Q: How many clubs compete in ISL 2025-26? A: Fourteen clubs compete in the 2025-26 season, including newly promoted Inter Kashi from the I-League and all established ISL franchises.
Read More: ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City Beat Chennaiyin FC 1-0 With Kotal Own Goal
