Transfer Saga: How debutants Punjab FC fared in the transfer window?

Punjab FC won the I-League last season

Punjab FC is the first-ever club to earn promotion to the Indian Super League after winning the 2022-23 season of the I-League. The outfit will compete in the 2023-24 season of the competition with a lot of doubters to prove wrong. Stepping up to the top tier of the Indian football league pyramid is going to be challenging.

In order to compete and retain their status as an ISL club, Punjab FC made plenty of moves in the transfer market. It was imperative to have players with prior experience of playing in the ISL and the club made sure to include such players in the squad.

Here is a look at Punjab FC’s transfer window as they prepare for a daunting yet historic 2023-24 season of the Indian Super League:

Arrival

Melroy Assisi

Melroy Assisi joins the club from Rajasthan United and will add depth to the club’s defence.

Madih Talal

Madih Talal comes from AK Kifisias and the 25-year-old attacking midfielder joins the club’s foreign contingent. 

Wilmar Gil

Wilmar Gil is an impressive acquisition who comes with Indian Super League experience from his playing days with NorthEast United. 

Shibin Kunniyil

The goalkeeper joins Punjab FC from the Indian Air Force. The former Gokulam Kerala FC custodian is an interesting signing.

Kingslee Fernandes

Kingslee Fernandes joins Punjab FC from Churchill Brothers. The midfielder will hope to impress his new employers in the ISL. 

Samuel Kynshi

Samuel Kynshi is a promising defensive midfielder who was chosen to represent India at the 2022 Asian Games.  

Nongmaikapam Suresh Meitei

The 29-year-old joins from Army Red. He is an experienced centre-back who has previously been with PFC and Churchill Brothers.

Prasanth K

Prasanth K, formerly of Chennaiyin FC, adds experience and attacking threat to Punjab FC. He has 76 appearances in the ISL and has played majorly for Kerala Blasters FC in the division.

Ricky Shabong

Ricky Shabong added solidity in midfield for Punjab FC and represented the club in the Durand Cup. He has previous experience playing for clubs like Mohun Bagan SG, Indian Arrows and Rajasthan United.

Mashoor Shareef

Mashoor Shareef, previously of NorthEast United, joins the club on a free transfer. He has played 32 matches in the ISL and will play a key role in the upcoming season.

Ranjeet Pandre

Ranjeet Pandre has signed from Kenkre FC. The forward will be playing in the ISL for the first time and adds depth in the attacking department.

Leon Augustine

Leon Augustine is a brilliant swoop for Punjab FC. The former Bengaluru FC attacker has experience of plying his trade in the ISL and will be looking towards making an impact with PFC.

Nitesh Darjee

Nitesh Darjee is a young defender who joins the club from Sudeva FC. It will be his first ISL campaign.

Amarjit Singh

Amarjit Singh Kiyam joins Punjab FC from FC Goa. The defensive midfielder has plenty of experience playing in the ISL. His inclusion will be crucial and the former East Bengal FC player will hope to shine in new colours.

Nikhil Prabhu

Nikhil Prabhu also joins from FC Goa and will be another individual who brings prior ISL experience to the squad. The 22-year-old centre-back will be central to the side’s defensive capabilities and accumulated 270 minutes of gametime in the 2023 Durand Cup.

Sweden Fernandes

Sweden Fernandes joins on loan from Chennaiyin FC. The 23-year-old winger brings an exciting wave of energy and hunger to PFC’s attack. 

Departures

Freddy Lallawmawma 

Freddy Lallawmawma joins Kerala Blasters FC on a free transfer. It will be his first season in the ISL.

Aleksandar Ignjatovic

The centre-back joined Rudar Prijedor on a free transfer. He signed for PFC in September 2022.

Shankar Sampingiraj

Shankar Sampingiraj has been swooped by Bengaluru FC. The central midfielder played 19 times for PFC. 

Ashangbam Aphaoba Singh

The 19-year-old centre-forward has joined Odisha FC. He hopes to develop over there and gain gametime with the Kalinga Warriors. 

Samuel Lalmuanpuia

Mohammedan SC has acquired the services of Samuel Lalmuanpuia. His I-League experience will come in handy for the Black Panthers.  

Deepak Devrani

Deepak Devrani has joined Inter Kashi on loan.

Tejas Krishna

Tejas Krishna has also joined Inter Kashi on loan in their inaugural season.

Juan Nellar

Juan Nellar’s contract expired with Punjab FC and he is no longer associated with them. 

Analysis

Punjab FC has been ambitious with their transfer signings. Adding players with Indian Super League experience was a clear strategy and one that makes logical sense. The club will come up against extremely tough teams and must rely on the players to turn up and make an impact. Retaining 14 players from the previous season also indicates faith in the system.

Having said that, there are a few areas where Punjab FC needs more recruitment. It also needs better quality domestic players, individuals who play for the national team and make an impact without relying on foreigners.