ISL 2026-27: Top 10 most valuable India U-23 players

Mohammed Sanan ranks second amongst the top 10 most valuable Indian U-23 players in ISL 2026-27.

The Indian Super League (ISL) 2026-27 season began with a double-header on 10 October 2026, with Bengaluru FC and FC Goa hosting Sporting Club Delhi and Chennaiyin FC, respectively, at their home venues.

As always, the start of the season is a delusional period for fans, as they tend to forget everything that has happened in the past. They get excited about watching their teams win every game, new signings deliver impressive performances and, possibly, qualify for the playoffs, which return this ISL season.

But beyond the clubs’ glory and the brilliance of foreign players on the pitch, there is something Indian football fans always look forward to ahead of the start of every ISL season: the emergence of young players from academies and those who have made the move from I-League clubs to the ISL.

In fact, if you rank Indian men’s national teams across various age groups, the senior men’s team would come last, with the youth teams, such as the U-17 and U-20 sides, already securing qualification for AFC competitions. The U-23 side missed out by the narrowest of margins on goal difference, while the senior team have been disappointing.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 most valuable Indian U-23 players set to feature in the upcoming ISL 2026-27 season.

10. Tomba Singh – ₹1.1 Crores

Tomba Singh has had an incredible last 24 months. From winning the I-League with Inter Kashi to taking another giant leap forward in the ISL with the same club the following season, Tomba has been impressive throughout.

In fact, his performances earned him a call-up to the Indian U-23 team, where he impressed again and scored a few goals. This eventually earned him a move to FC Goa this season, where he will represent the Gaurs on the Asian stage.

9. Augustine Lalrochana – ₹1.1 Crores

Sporting Club Delhi’s Mr. Versatile and Mr. Reliable, Augustine played every minute bar one across the club’s entire campaign last season in the ISL and the Super Cup. He was not just a regular presence on the pitch but was also deployed in several positions, including left wing-back, right wing-back, left winger, right winger and center-forward.

This season, he has already registered a goal and an assist in the Durand Cup. His versatility, directness, pace and trickery will be crucial to how Tomasz Tchorz sets up his side this ISL season.

He is probably the only player on this list who has not earned a call-up to the Indian U-23 side, but one could be on the cards if he continues to perform this way.

8. Zothanpuia – ₹1.1 Crores

Zothanpuia made the switch from the I-League to the Indian Super League (ISL) last season, joining Mumbai City FC from Aizawl FC on a three-year deal. A defensive midfielder by trade, Puipuia wears the number 45 and displays incredible maturity beyond his years, reminding Mumbai City FC fans of Apuia.

He is decent with his ball-playing abilities from the middle of the park, while also possessing great composure and passing ability.

He is a threat from set-pieces as well, and many Indian football fans will be excited to see what he can bring this season after his breakthrough campaign in ISL 2025-26.

7. Pramveer Singh – ₹1.1 Crores

Pramveer, who developed in the Punjab FC academy and enjoyed a breakthrough a couple of seasons ago with the Shers, has left the club after his contract expired. While several top ISL clubs were interested in signing him and offered higher salaries, he chose the NorthEast United FC project, prioritizing game time and development over pay cheques.

He is now a regular part of the Indian senior national team set-up and has already delivered several impressive performances for the country.

His physicality is exceptional, and he is very comfortable playing out from the back as well. A resolute defender who is never afraid to commit to tackles and blocks, he must work on his occasional lapses in concentration.

Also Read: Inter Kashi vs Kerala Blasters: Tale of new beginnings in ISL 2026-27 as football returns to Pune

6. Macarton Nickson – ₹1.38 Crores

Macarton Nickson, who has been a steady presence in the NorthEast United FC set-up ever since the arrival of Juan Pedro Benali, ranks sixth among the top 10 most valuable Indian U-23 players.

Macarton has also been part of the senior national team in recent camps and is known for his energy and tenacity in the middle of the park, making crucial ball recoveries and interceptions.

He is often deployed with greater attacking freedom, so he must work on improving his numbers in the final third.

5. Manglenthang Kipgen – ₹1.38 Crores

Kipgen has been a highly rated name in the Indian youth set-up ever since his U-19 days and finally got his breakthrough in the Indian Super League last year under Panagiotis Dilmperis following Muhammad Suhail’s injury.

An attacking midfielder who can also play on the wings, Kipgen combines creativity and technical flair with his pace and unpredictable movement.

He finished the 2025-26 season with two goals and three assists, which is quite impressive for a youngster in his breakout campaign.

4. Korou Singh – ₹1.65 Crores

If there is one player on this list whom every Indian football fan would want to see succeed this season, it is Korou Singh. Still just 19-year-old, Korou had to go through a lot of personal difficulties last season, which forced him to leave Kerala Blasters‘ ISL campaign.

However, fans will still remember Korou breaking records and charging down the right flank under Mikael Stahre.

In his first full season, he registered six goal contributions in ISL 2024-25 from the right wing as a 17-year-old, and that is exactly what many Kerala Blasters fans will be looking forward to seeing again this season.

3. Lalremtluanga Fanai – ₹1.93 Crores

Fanai, the Bengaluru FC midfielder, has been one of the best young Indian midfielders in the league over the last two seasons, alongside Ricky Shabong and others. Fanai is also one of the captains of the Indian U-23 side and will be crucial to Bengaluru FC’s performances this season.

His recovery ability and work rate are top-notch, while his ball retention and ability to dictate the tempo are qualities he continues to master.

His progressive passing and vision earned him four assists in just 13 games last season. Impressive, isn’t it?

2. Mohammed Sanan – ₹2.48 Crores

Sanan being ranked second on this list should come as no surprise to fans who followed the 2026 summer transfer window. Multiple ISL clubs were battling for his signature once it became clear that he would receive an NOC and leave Jamshedpur FC instead of joining Churchill Brothers.

However, he wanted to return home and has joined Kerala Blasters, becoming the face of the new project they are building.

His clip of sending Lucas Torreira the wrong way before firing a dangerous shot at Uruguay’s goal remains all over the internet, further highlighting the talent and potential he brings to the table.

1. Tekcham Abhishek Singh – ₹2.48 Crores

Tekcham Abhishek Singh is no longer just an Indian football star; he has been making waves across global football Twitter for his impressive performance against Brazil, where he famously kept Vinícius Júnior quiet during the 45 minutes they shared the pitch.

At just 21 years of age, he has already made close to 50 appearances in the ISL and is no longer a rookie.

In fact, watching him play, you would think he had been around for years because of his incredible maturity, awareness, technical ability and the ease with which he plays the game.

He will be crucial to Mohun Bagan’s campaign this season and has already worked with Panagiotis Dilmperis at Punjab FC, where the coach got the best out of him.

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