How Inter Kashi FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Inter Kashi finished 10th in their debut ISL season

Ahead of the 2025-26 ISL season, Inter Kashi and their fans were filled with excitement after winning the 2024-25 I-League title and securing promotion to the top tier of Indian football in just their second year of existence.

However, heading into the 2026-27 ISL season, the mood around the club is completely different. Despite finishing 10th in their debut ISL campaign, a respectable finish for a newly promoted side, the club now finds itself dealing with several off-field issues.

Inter Kashi is reportedly searching for new investors to continue their squad-building activities while clearing the outstanding dues owed to those who were part of the club last season.

That said, everyone associated with the club will be hoping these issues are resolved soon, allowing Inter Kashi to resume their transfer business and assemble a competitive squad ahead of the 2026-27 ISL season.

From everything that has changed since the end of last season to the type of players they should target in the transfer market, let’s take a closer look at it all.

How did Inter Kashi fare in the 2025-26 season

Inter Kashi began the 2025-26 campaign by fielding an all-Indian squad in the Super Cup, with David Humanes being the only foreign player in the squad. The team was led by Abhijit Mondal for one match before Carlos Fonseca took charge for the remainder of the competition.

They managed just one point from their three matches, drawing against NorthEast United while losing the other two games.

In their maiden Indian Super League campaign, Inter Kashi showed plenty of promise but struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season. They eventually finished 10th in the table and even held Mohun Bagan to a draw in the closing stages of the league, denting the Mariners’ hopes of winning the 2025/26 ISL title.

Overall, it was a respectable first season in the Indian Super League. Antonio Lopez Habas would have hoped for greater consistency from his players, but the club’s off-field difficulties and the absence of a permanent home stadium prevented the team from taking the next step and finishing higher in the table.

What has changed since last season?

Inter Kashi were among the busiest clubs in the transfer market last season, bringing in almost a dozen players to strengthen their squad. This time around, however, the situation is very different, with the club searching for investors while also serving a FIFA transfer ban.

The biggest change has come on the touchline, with Antonio Lopez Habas and his coaching staff leaving the club to take charge of East Bengal FC.

In terms of player departures, Sandip Mandi and his left-sided partner Rohit Danu are rumored to leave the club. Along with this, Alfred Planas has also left the club to join Punjab FC.

Also Read: ISL 2026-27: Confirmed transfers so far

What profile of players should Inter Kashi target?

One of the biggest mistakes Inter Kashi must avoid is making the same error Chennaiyin FC did a few years ago. After spending two seasons under a coach who preferred direct football, the club should look to appoint another coach with a similar philosophy rather than switching to a possession-based system, which could take considerable time to implement and negatively affect results in the short term.

As for recruitment, Inter Kashi should prioritize physical, athletic and hardworking players who excel at winning the ball back and thrive in duels.

At the same time, they need attackers with outstanding individual quality who can produce moments of brilliance and win games even when the team’s overall performance is below par.

Which positions should Inter Kashi strengthen?

The biggest priority for Inter Kashi is appointing a new head coach to fill the massive void left by Antonio Lopez Habas. In terms of the squad, they require several foreign players capable of making an immediate impact, along with a few quality domestic additions.

Defensively, the club may look to sign a first-choice Indian goalkeeper who can either challenge or replace Shubham Das, depending on how the goalkeeping situation develops. They will also need to replace Sandip Mandi, who is reportedly on the verge of leaving the club.

In midfield, another signing or two may be required depending on Tomba Singh’s future, especially after Jayesh Rane struggled to make a significant impact last season. Alfred Planas’ creativity will be missed, and they must make sure they bring in a player who is as effective as him in the final third.

In attack, replacing Rohit Danu on the left wing will be a priority, while strengthening the right wing and signing a quality Indian striker should also be high on the club’s transfer agenda.

A foreign striker who can find the back of the net consistently unlike Nauris Petkevicius will be crucial in overturning the goals deficit they went through last season.

Realistic transfer targets (Opinion)

Jaspreet Singh (Bengaluru FC)

After using one of their foreign player slots on a Spanish goalkeeper last season, Inter Kashi would be better served by signing a quality Indian goalkeeper capable of starting regularly or competing with Shubham Das if he remains the club’s first-choice keeper.

Jaspreet Singh of Bengaluru FC could be an excellent option. Despite being named the I-League Goalkeeper of the Season previously, he currently finds himself well down the pecking order at Bengaluru FC.

A move to Inter Kashi could help revive his career, with the goalkeeper known for his outstanding reflexes and commanding presence in the air.

Sanjeev Stalin (Free Agent)

Sanjeev Stalin, once regarded as one of the league’s brightest full-back prospects, has struggled for regular game time at Mumbai City FC over the past few seasons. A move to Inter Kashi could provide him with the opportunity to establish himself once again in the ISL.

Comfortable on either flank, Sanjeev is recognized for his defensive work rate and ability to deliver dangerous crosses through overlapping runs.

His deliveries from set-pieces also make him an additional attacking threat, fitting the profile of a modern full-back.

Bryce Miranda (Diamond Harbour FC)

Bryce Miranda, who played an important role during the second half of the 2024-25 I-League season as Inter Kashi secured promotion, could be a strong candidate to return to the club and replace Rohit Danu, who has reportedly agreed to join East Bengal.

He arrives after an impressive I-League campaign with Diamond Harbour FC, where he registered five assists while helping the club win the title.

A tall left-footed winger, Bryce has incredible burst of pace, is effective in one-on-one situations and possesses the ability to deliver dangerous crosses, something that could prove vital if Inter Kashi continue with a direct style of play.

Gurkirat Singh (Free Agent)

Gurkirat Singh remains one of the biggest unsolved mysteries in Indian football. The former India U-20 striker, who impressed with the national youth teams, has struggled to replicate those performances at club level.

After limited opportunities at Mumbai City FC, he moved to Chennaiyin FC hoping for more game time but was reportedly left out of the first team plans under both Clifford Miranda and Owen Coyle due to not putting enough efforts in the training.

However, under the right coach and in the right environment, there is still hope that the old Gurkirat can rediscover his best form.

Blessed with electric pace, a direct style of play and a powerful left foot capable of producing spectacular goals, he can operate across the frontline and could prove to be an excellent addition to the Inter Kashi squad.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.