The Indian Super League has experienced significant upheaval in recent months, with several foreign players opting to leave their respective clubs amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the league’s schedule and operational stability. This comprehensive guide provides a club-wise breakdown of foreign players who have departed the league.

Club-Wise Foreign Player Departures

Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters saw the most significant exodus of foreign players during this period. Key departures included striker Jesus Jimenez, who joined Polish top-flight side Nieciecza FC after scoring 11 goals for the Blasters.

Other notable exits were Adrian Luna, the magical Uruguayan midfielder, who was loaned to Indonesian club Persik Kediri to gain regular playing time and stability.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	New Club
Koldo Obieta	Spain	Striker	Transfer Pending
Dusan Lagator	Montenegro	Defender	Transfer Pending
Jesus Jimenez	Spain	Striker	Nieciecza FC (Poland)
Tiago Alves	Portugal	Forward	Svay Rieng (Cambodia)
Juan Rodriguez	Spain	Midfielder	Marbella FC (Spain)
Noah Sadaoui	Morocco	Forward	Loaned Out
Adrian Luna	Uruguay	Midfielder	Persik Kediri (Indonesia)

Northeast United FC

Northeast United allowed star striker Alaeddine Ajaraie to depart on loan to Indonesian side Persija Jakarta while securing his contract extension by two years. The departure came as the club sought clarity on the league’s future.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	Status
Chema Nunez	Spain	Forward	Transfer Pending
Alaeddine Ajaraie	Lebanon	Striker	Loaned to Persija Jakarta

FC Goa

FC Goa experienced departures of key midfield and attacking players. David Timor moved to CF Intercity after making limited appearances due to the uncertain season, while Iker Guarrotxena joined Indonesian side Persijap Jepara.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	New Club
David Timor	Spain	Midfielder	CF Intercity (Spain)
Iker Guarrotxena	Spain	Forward	Persijap Jepara (Indonesia)
Javier Siverio	Spain	Forward	Ethnikos Achnas (Cyprus)
Borja Herrera	Spain	Midfielder	Persijap Jepara (Indonesia)

Mumbai City FC

Spanish defender Tiri, one of the league’s most distinguished figures with 144 ISL appearances, parted ways with Mumbai City and joined Indonesian side Persijap Jepara. Jon Toral, a product of Arsenal and Barcelona youth systems, moved to Persik Kediri.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	New Club
Tiri	Spain	Defender	Persijap Jepara (Indonesia)
Jon Toral	Spain	Midfielder	Persik Kediri (Indonesia)

Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru FC faced significant challenges with the club suspending first-team operations in August 2025. Edgar Mendez, who had scored 10 goals and provided four assists, moved to Thai League side PT Prachuap FC. Salaheddine Bahi departed after just two Super Cup appearances.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	New Club
Edgar Mendez	Spain	Attacker	PT Prachuap FC (Thailand)
Salaheddine Bahi	Morocco	Centre-back	Transfer Pending

Jamshedpur FC

Javi Hernandez departed after a memorable stint, having scored 9 goals in 26 games and helping the team reach the ISL semi-finals. The Spanish forward returned to his home country to join Alaca FC.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	New Club
Javi Hernandez	Spain	Forward	Alaca FC (Spain)

East Bengal FC

Hamid Ahadad made 7 appearances for East Bengal before departing, while Hiroshi Ibusuki, who played just 5 games and scored 1 goal, moved to Australian A-League side Western Sydney.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	New Club
Hamid Ahadad	Morocco	Forward	Transfer Pending
Hiroshi Ibusuki	Japan	Striker	Western Sydney (Australia)

Odisha FC

Hugo Boumous, an ISL regular with 110 games and 76 goal contributions, was loaned to Malaysian club Selangor FC. Odisha FC was the first ISL club to suspend on-field operations due to financial and management issues.

Player Name	Nationality	Position	Status
Hugo Boumous	France	Midfielder	Loaned to Selangor FC (Malaysia)

FAQs

Why are foreign players leaving the ISL in 2025-26?

Foreign players have been departing due to uncertainty surrounding the league’s schedule, operational stability, and financial commitments. Lack of clarity prompted several players to seek opportunities elsewhere where they could secure regular playing time and stability.

Which club had the most foreign player departures?

Kerala Blasters FC experienced the largest exodus with seven foreign players departing or being loaned out, including notable figures like Adrian Luna and Jesus Jimenez.

Where have most departing ISL players gone?

Many players opted for opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. Others moved to Europe, with some returning to their home countries. A few also secured moves to other leagues like Thailand, Malaysia, and Australia.

Has Alaeddine Ajaraie been sold or loaned out?

Alaeddine Ajaraie was loaned to Indonesian club Persija Jakarta. Northeast United secured his contract extension by two years before allowing the loan move, protecting their long-term interests.