How Mumbai City FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Mumbai City FC finished third in ISL 2025-26

Mumbai City FC led by Petr Kratky had a good last Indian Super League (ISL) season despite the challenges which came their way at the beginning of the season. The Islanders managed to finish third on the points table very close to East Bengal FC and Mohun Bagan SG, they were fighting for the title till the very last matchday.

However, despite having a good season, the Islanders were visibly a little poor when it came to the squad depth and the mid-way of the ISL season. They dropped some crucial points mid-way through the season which costed them the title and the spot for Asia.

Some might argue that the head coach Petr Kratky had a pragmatic approach, but with the resources he had in hand it was a fairly good season. However now the Islanders must look to rebuild for the upcoming season and build a first team with a solid squad depth to compete.

In this article we take a look at what Mumbai City FC can do in this summer transfer window to get back the glory days back to the city of Mumbai.

A recap of ISL 2025-26 season

Mumbai City FC had a good ISL 2025-26, finishing 3rd in the league, just a point behind the champions, East Bengal FC. The Islanders managed to gather 25 points in 13 league games with 4 draws, 7 wins and 2 losses to their account.

It was a season of highs and lows for the club; at one point, the Islanders looked comfortable in the top spot and were among the strongest contenders, but their inconsistency and lack of squad depth ultimately caught up with them as they began dropping points at crucial stages.

The club could not convert draws into wins and instead dropped points multiple times, such as the games against NorthEast United FC, FC Goa, SC Delhi and Bengaluru FC.

The main reason for this was the inability to score goals. The Islanders only scored 17 goals in the league, with 4 of them coming against Mohammedan SC in the same game. This is a cause for concern that needs to be addressed, as a football match can only be won by scoring goals.

Along with this, it was visible that the team lost concentration during important stages, due to which they conceded at the wrong moments. However, the season also saw some positives, with players like Noufal and Puipuia stepping up.

What should the Islanders do in the transfer market

The outgoings

It is high time that Mumbai City FC rebuild and moves away from some players who are not delivering at this point. The club should look to move away from some players who have not been contributing enough.

Rather than just keeping players for the sake of completing a squad the club should sign players who suit their system and can add real value to the team across all positions.

The focus

Mumbai City FC should look to build their team around the young players who actually add value to their team, players like Puipuia and Noufal are those names who should be starters and be a regular part of the core. So, signing players who can complement these youngsters will be very helpful.

The club should also focus on signing an Indian leader for the midfield and the defense. Although there are players like Akash Mishra and Valpuia who are doing wonders, they need someone to dictate the game from the back.

A good foreign core is again very necessary, especially up top. In the previous season, we saw the struggles they had to score goals in the absence of Pereyra Diaz. Apart from Nuno Reis and Joni Kauko, both Ortiz and Diaz looked a little shaky and out of touch. So, the target should also be to gather a good foreign core which helps the young Indian players as well.

Also Read: How Mohun Bagan SG should approach the summer transfer window

Should Mumbai City FC look ahead of Petr Kratky?

Well, there are arguments among various Mumbai City FC fans, whether Petr Kratky should stay as the head coach moving ahead. This is a very reasonable question; however, Kratky has done well for the Islanders throughout his tenure after he took over from Des Buckingham.

The Czech head coach despite having an average squad got the most out of the players and kept competing till the very end in the 2025-26 season.

However, it is also true that in some instances the pragmatic approach from Petr Kratky did cost them points in the league. So, maybe for a complete rebuild, the Islanders could look for a different approach and go with a different head coach, but staying with Petr Kratky might just be the wiser decision, given the work he has done in Indian football so far and the quality of his game management.

Some transfer targets the Islanders can go for (opinion)

Sandesh Jhingan (FC Goa)

Sandesh Jhingan could be the missing piece of the puzzle which can solve the defensive problems which Mumbai City FC are having. He also adds the leadership quality to the defense and having a backline of Valpuia, Akash Mishra and Jhingan could very well prove decisive.

Ebindas (Kerala Blasters)

Another youngster who had a very good ISL 2025-26 season. This is the signing which could solve their creative problem which they were expecting Brandon Fernandes to solve.

Ebindas could very well prove to be a solid addition to the squad.

Jithin MS / Parthib Gogoi (NorthEast United FC)

Going for either Parthib Gogoi or Jithin MS could be good for squad depth as they are proven attacking threats in ISL. Both of the players can play as false 9 and wingers when required adding dynamism to the squad.

So, going for either of this player profile can solve a lot of problems for Mumbai City FC.

Effiong Nsungusi (Punjab FC)

This player could change everything for the Islanders. Effiong had a wonderful season in ISL 2025-26, and his solid presence as the number 9 up front can do wonders for the Islanders.

So, one foreigner who is already ISL proven can be targeted by Mumbai City FC to replace the out of form Pereyra Diaz.

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.