Exclusive: Punjab FC set to sign Jamshedpur FC’s Muhammed Uvais ahead of ISL 2025-26

The Kerala-born left-back is expected to join Punjab FC on a multi-year deal worth over Rs 1 crore per season.

Despite a promising start to the season, Punjab FC lost momentum in the final months and ended up 10th on the table with just 28 points from 24 matches in the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25. The club has already begun preparations to strengthen their squad for the next season.

Punjab FC have pulled off a significant signing ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season by reaching an agreement with Jamshedpur FC left-back Muhammed Uvais. The 26-year-old, whose contract runs out at the end of the 2024-25 season, is set to sign a multi-year deal with the former I-League champions.

The left-footed defender had attracted interest from multiple ISL clubs, but Punjab FC moved quickly to secure his services.

“Punjab FC have agreed personal terms with Muhammed Uvais for a multi-year deal. Several ISL clubs were in the race, but Uvais has chosen the Punjab FC project,” a source close to the development told Khel Now.

Once the deal is finalized, Uvais is expected to earn just over Rs 1 crore per season—a clear statement of intent from Punjab FC, who are aiming to bounce back stronger after a mixed ISL 2024-25 campaign.

Muhammed Uvais: A rising Indian fullback

Born in Kerala, Uvais began his professional journey with FC Kerala and gradually worked his way up, playing across the I-League Second Division, the I-League, and now the ISL.

His breakthrough came during the 2021–22 I-League season with Gokulam Kerala, where his standout performances helped the club lift the title. That form earned him a move to Jamshedpur FC on a three-year deal, which expires at the end of the current season.

Uvais was a vital cog in Khalid Jamil’s Jamshedpur FC side, who reached the ISL 2024-25 semi-finals before narrowly losing to Mohun Bagan Super Giant on aggregate (2-3).

Uvais nearly played every minute (2429 across 27 matches) for JFC. His defensive solidity (5 clean sheets, 38 tackles won, 84 clearances) combined with his attacking contributions (1 goal, 14 chances created) made him one of Jamshedpur’s standout performers.

What does this mean for Punjab FC?

With Uvais incoming, Punjab FC are preparing for the likely departure of their current left-back Tekcham Abhishek Singh. The 20-year-old, who recently made his India debut under Manolo Marquez, has just one year left on his contract and is expected to leave in the summer. Punjab FC had previously rejected an offer from Kerala Blasters for Abhishek but may not hold onto him this time, with multiple ISL clubs expressing interest.

Securing a quality replacement like Uvais — a left-footed fullback with solid domestic experience — is a smart move by Punjab FC in a competitive market where many clubs are hunting for a similar profile.

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