How Bengaluru FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Bengaluru FC finished fourth in the ISL table

The conclusion of every Indian Super League (ISL) season brings with it an opportunity to reassess, rebuild and prepare for the challenges ahead. For Bengaluru FC, however, this summer transfer window carries added importance.

After a campaign that showed glimpses of promise but also highlighted several shortcomings, the Blues now have a chance to reshape their squad and provide Pep Munoz with the tools needed to implement his philosophy over a full season

Bengaluru FC’s 2025-26 campaign was one of mixed emotions. While the Blues unearthed promising young talents and showed encouraging signs under Pep Munoz following the mid-season managerial change, inconsistency ultimately proved costly as they fell short of mounting a serious challenge for silverware.

The season highlighted several positives to build upon, but it also exposed areas that require immediate attention if the club hopes to return to competing at the highest level of the Indian Super League.

As the focus shifts to the summer transfer window, Bengaluru FC have already bid farewell to key first-team players, including Rahul Bheke, Brian Sánchez, Namgyal Bhutia and Kuziev Siroj.

With Pep Munoz set to oversee his first full pre-season and transfer window at the club, the decisions made over the coming weeks could play a defining role in shaping Bengaluru FC’s ambitions for the 2026-27 season.

Here are the key areas the Blues must address before the new campaign gets underway.

Bring in a creative attacking midfielder

Bengaluru FC need a player capable of unlocking defences and creating chances consistently in the final third. During the last season, the attack lacked a natural creator who could link midfield with the forwards and provide the final pass.

The Blues have often lacked a player capable of unlocking defences with a decisive pass or consistently linking midfield with attack. Adding another creative outlet would make Bengaluru’s attack far less predictable and provide greater variety in the final third.

With the departure of Brian Sanchez, A creative No. 10 would not only add another dimension to Pep Munoz’s system but also complement players like Ryan Williams by creating more opportunities in dangerous areas.

Improve the final third

For several seasons, Bengaluru FC have relied heavily on Sunil Chhetri to deliver in front of goal. While the club legend has continued to perform whenever called upon, expecting him to remain the team’s primary goalscoring outlet is no longer a sustainable strategy. The Blues need a striker capable of consistently converting chances and leading the line throughout an entire campaign.

Last season, the Blues often created promising situations but lacked a consistent presence inside the penalty area capable of converting them into goals. While Ryan Williams and Ashique Kuruniyan provided pace and directness from wide areas and Sunil Chhetri continued to deliver in crucial moments, the side rarely had a focal point who could occupy the opposition’s centre-backs for 90 minutes.

A dependable No. 9 would not only ease the burden on Chhetri but also improve the overall balance of the attack, allowing Bengaluru to spread their goals across multiple players rather than depending on moments of individual brilliance.

Also Read: How Mumbai City FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Strengthen the leadership group

As Bengaluru FC prepare for a new campaign, strengthening their leadership group should be just as important as strengthening any particular position. The Blues still possess experienced figures in Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Suresh Singh Wangjam and Ryan Williams, all of whom bring leadership in different ways.

However, a title-challenging side cannot rely on just a handful of voices. Leadership needs to be spread across the pitch, ensuring every department has players capable of organising teammates, maintaining standards and stepping up when the team faces adversity.

The departures of senior players have inevitably reduced that experienced core, making it even more important for the club to recruit footballers who offer more than just technical ability.

Bengaluru should look for players who have captained teams, played in high-pressure environments or demonstrated the personality to guide those around them. Such additions would not only strengthen the starting XI but also help nurture the club’s emerging youngsters.

Improve defensive depth

A long ISL season inevitably brings injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion, making squad depth just as important as the quality of the starting XI. While Bengaluru FC have established starters in the full-back positions, the drop in experience beyond them remains a concern.

Bengaluru’s first-choice full-backs, Nikhil Poojary and Roshan Singh, continue to rank among the league’s most dependable players in their respective positions. However, the lack of experienced alternatives behind them remains a concern. Injuries, suspensions and fixture congestion are inevitable across a long campaign, and relying on the same players week after week can eventually take its toll.

Recruiting versatile defenders capable of operating in multiple positions would provide Pep Munoz with greater tactical flexibility while ensuring the team’s defensive standards do not decline whenever changes become necessary. Strengthening the bench could prove just as important as strengthening the starting lineup.

Continue trusting the academy

One of the brightest takeaways from last season was the emergence of Bengaluru FC’s academy graduates. Several youngsters like Soham Varshneya, Kevin Singh Taorem, Shivaldo Singh, Vinith Venakatesh have proved they have the quality to contribute at the senior level, reinforcing the strength of the club’s development pathway.

Rather than signing players in every position, the Blues should focus on targeted recruitment that complements the existing squad while ensuring promising youngsters continue to receive meaningful opportunities.

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