ISL 2025-26: Chennaiyin FC complete squad for the upcoming season

Alberto Noguera’s signing has delighted the Chennaiyin FC supporters.

The 2015 & 2017-18 Indian Super League champions Chennaiyin FC are gearing up for the new season with renewed belief. Clifford Miranda has taken over the reins from Owen Coyle, becoming the club’s first full-time Indian manager.

The club seemed to lack confidence both in attack and defence in this season’s AIFF Super Cup, picking up just one point in three group games. Their only goal of the campaign was a freak goal scored by their goalkeeper, Samik Mitra.

With the uncertainty going around the league, there were rumours that the club might play with an all Indian squad. However, Chennaiyin FC’s management sprang into action in January, making five significant signings, including four new foreign players, to bolster their squad.

Goalkeepers

Chennaiyin FC have retained the services of Mohammad Nawaz and the Manipuri goalkeeper will once again be starting the games for the club. Nawaz had a mixed 2024-25 ISL season, conceding 27 goals and keeping 3 clean sheets in 17 ISL games. The shot-stopper will certainly be looking to make amends this time around.

Accompanying Nawaz would be Samik Mitra and Devansh Dabas. Samik has been part of CFC’s setup since 2021 and will be constantly challenging Nawaz for the number one spot.

The 25-year-old has made some fantastic saves over the last few seasons but has lacked consistency, something he needs to work on to be a part of the starting XI on the long-term basis.

Defenders

The likes of Pritam Kotal, Laldinpuia, Ankit Mukharjee, Laldinliana, and Vignesh Dakshinamurthy will constitute the core of CFC’s Indian defenders. Raj Basfore and Klusner Pereira will be the other players who will be closely fighting for a spot in the starting XI.

In terms of foreign players, Brazilian duo Elsinho and Eduardo Kau are the two central defenders employed by the club. While Elsinho’s services have been retained, Eduardo joined the Marina Machans in January, making a move from Thailand’s Ayutthaya United. The defender has played in South America, Europe, Asia and should settle quickly under Clifford Miranda.

Midfielders

Chennaiyin FC were lacking creativity and balance throughout the entirety of the 2024-25 ISL season. To address this, Clifford Miranda’s side has received a much needed boost with the additions of ISL veterans Alberto Noguera and Mohammed Bemmamer. While the former will play as a deep-lying playmaker, Bemmamer will primarily be responsible to win the ball to start counter attacks.

The club has retained their Indian midfield core from last season, which includes the likes of Farukh Choudhary, Jitendra Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, and Jiteshwor Singh. Maheson and Kingslee Fernandes would be other key options available at Miranda’s behest.

Forwards

The Marina Machans failed to score in 10 of their 24 ISL matches last season, missing big chances throughout the tournament. The AIFF Super Cup 2025-26 again highlighted the issue as the Indian attackers missed goalscoring chances and it became very evident that this needs to be the first thing that Clifford Miranda would need to look at.

Chennaiyin FC roped in winger Imran Khan from Jamshedpur FC in January and they also added centreforward Inigo Martin to their squad. The 26-year-old Spaniard joined from Georgian second-tier club FC Telavi and he has also played for Romanian and Spanish clubs in the past.

Irfan Yadwad will spearhead the Indian attackers in the squad. The Indian international had a breakout 2024-25 campaign, however, he was not able to follow it up under Manolo Marquez and Khalid Jamil for the Blue Tigers. Gurkirat Singh is another name that is desperate for chances and may get a chance to shine this season.

Chennaiyin FC’s squad for the 2025-26 ISL season

• Goalkeepers: Samik Mitra, Mohamed Nawaz, Devansh Dabas
• Defenders: Elsinho, Eduardo Kau, PC Laldinpuia, Ankit Mukherjee, Mandar Rao Dessai, Pritam Kotal, Vignesh Dakshinamurthy, Laldinliana Renthlei, Sk. Rajjak Ali, Klusner Pereira, Raj Basfore
• Midfielders: Alberto Noguera, Mohammed Bemmamer, Farukh Choudhary, Jitendra Singh, Maheson Singh, Lalrinliana Hnamte, Jiteshwor Singh, Karthick Thirumalai, Raman Singh Ngangom, Solaimalai R., Kingslee Fernandes
• Forwards: Inigo Martin, Irfan Yadwad, Gurkirat Singh, Imran Khan, Vivek S.

The squad will be updated as more additions come.

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