1. Inter Kashi
Inter Kashi are preparing for their inaugural season in the Indian Super League by building a squad predominantly through an influx of Spanish players. The club is set to announce the signing of four Spanish players to strengthen their ranks.
The goalkeeping position will be filled by 24-year-old Lluís Tarrés (formerly of Getafe B), who is expected to be the only foreign goalkeeper in this edition of the ISL. In midfield, 32-year-old Sergio Llamas, who spent last season with Gokulam Kerala FC, will add experience, composure and leadership.
Speed and creativity will be added on both wings through 29-year-old Alfred Planas, who featured in the Super Cup for Gokulam, and 28-year-old David Humanes, who played for Inter Kashi during their championship-winning I-League campaign. Mario Barco is the only foreign player retained from the previous season. In addition to the aforementioned players, another foreign signing is expected soon in the form of head coach Antonio López Habas.
2. Kerala Blasters
Kerala Blasters, under David Català, have undergone numerous changes in preparation for the upcoming season. These include loaning out two key foreign players, Adrián Luna and Noah Sadaoui, and mutually parting ways with the remaining four foreigners: Tiago Alves, Dušan Lagator, Koldo Obieta and Juan Rodríguez. Additionally, the club has released two young prospects, Mohammed Azhar and Mohammed Aimen.
On a positive note, the squad has been bolstered with experienced additions such as Rowllin Borges. The new foreign signing is Marlon Roos-Trujillo, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder who was previously part of the Germany U18 national team.
As part of their continued commitment to youth development, the Blasters have promoted three academy players: Ajsal (winner of the Super League Kerala Player of the Tournament award), Ebindas (attacking midfielder), and Jaganath (defender).
3. FC Goa
Ahead of the ISL season, FC Goa are restructuring their squad by releasing four foreign players – Javi Siverio, Borja Herrera, Iker Guarrotxena and David Timor – while retaining only two, Dejan Dražić and Paul Moreno.
Meanwhile, the Gaurs have strengthened their squad by signing two Indian players ahead of the season: Ishan Pandita and Raynier Fernandes. From FC Goa’s perspective, the club has decided not to add any further foreign players beyond those currently on their roster.
4. Sporting Club Delhi
Sporting Club Delhi will be hoping for a stronger start to their ISL campaign after a lacklustre performance in the recently concluded Super Cup. Head coach Tomasz Tchorz will welcome back two familiar faces from Kerala Blasters, Aimen and Azhar, which should help maintain continuity within the squad.
Leadership will be provided by Brazilian midfielder Andrei Alba, alongside Rafael Ribeiro, who will marshal the defence. The club is also looking to begin the new ISL season with an additional foreign signing, likely a winger, in the near future.
5. Mumbai City FC
Under experienced head coach Peter Kratky, Mumbai City FC are enduring a challenging period, with uncertainty surrounding the club following the City Football Group’s departure as investors. The situation has reportedly been compounded by several remaining players refusing to accept pay cuts.
Jon Toral and Tiri, both of whom have joined Indonesia’s Liga 1, have already been released. At present, the only foreign players remaining in the squad are Jorge Pereyra Díaz and Jorge Ortiz. In an effort to stabilise the club, Mumbai City FC are actively seeking a new investor.
6. NorthEast United FC
Once considered serious contenders for the ISL season, NorthEast United FC have suffered an abrupt regression after having to offload high-earning players. The most significant move was the loan of club legend Alaeddine Ajaraie to Persija Jakarta, despite the Moroccan having previously agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Highlanders.
In search of greater stability, midfielder Chema Núñez has also mutually departed the club. As things stand, NorthEast United will begin the season with just three foreign players: winger Jairo Samperio, midfielder Andy Rodríguez and captain Michel Zabaco. Head coach Juan Pedro Benali now faces a formidable challenge due to a reduced squad and rising expectations.
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