ISL side Mumbai City FC rope in Farukh Choudhary ahead of ISL 2026-27
Farukh Choudhary joins Mumbai City until the end of the 2026-27 season.
Mumbai City FC have officially confirmed the return of Farukh Choudhary, with the Indian attacker signing a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season.
The 29-year-old, who was born in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, previously spent a brief stint with the Islanders during the 2020-21 Indian Super League (ISL) season, making six appearances for the club.
Farukh brings versatility to a revamped Mumbai attack
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Farukh subsequently went on to establish himself as an experienced figure in Indian football, representing Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC. He has made 126 ISL appearances in his career, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists.
His return to Mumbai comes at a time when the Islanders have seen considerable changes in their attacking department. Lallianzuala Chhangte and Bipin Singh, two of the club’s established wide players in recent seasons, have departed, while Gyamar Nikum is also no longer part of the club’s immediate plans.
With several changes to the attacking unit, Farukh could provide Manolo Márquez with an experienced option off the bench. His ability to operate in different positions across the frontline also gives the head coach some flexibility, particularly in games where Mumbai need an experienced player to change the tempo of the attack.
Nikum’s departure also brings an interesting chapter to a close. Mumbai signed the young midfielder from Rajasthan United in January 2023 for an undisclosed transfer fee and handed him a long-term contract.
He subsequently spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Inter Kashi, where he enjoyed a breakthrough campaign. His performances earned him the Best Emerging Player award in the I-League that season.
However, opportunities at Mumbai proved difficult to come by after his return. Nikum made only 7 appearances for the Islanders over the following seasons, leaving Mumbai to look elsewhere for additional depth in the wide areas.
Mumbai City FC will be pleased to have another Mumbai local in the squad
Farukh, meanwhile, arrives with considerably more senior-level experience. He has been a regular presence around the Indian national team in recent times and has featured prominently during the Blue Tigers’ recent international fixtures.
He also has a memorable moment against Tajikistan, where he scored India’s only goal in a 3-1 defeat in June 2026.
That experience could prove useful for Mumbai, particularly with the club undergoing another transition under Márquez. The Spaniard has already spoken about Farukh’s versatility and the competition he can bring to the squad, making his return more than just an addition for numbers.
Farukh Choudhary said: “Coming back to Mumbai City means a lot to me. I have had some really good memories here, and I am happy to be back with the club. I am looking forward to the new season, working hard with the team and giving my best on the pitch. We have a strong squad and big ambitions, and I want to contribute as much as I can and help the team achieve its goals.”
Manolo Márquez, Head Coach of Mumbai City, said: “Farukh is a player we know very well, and he has qualities that can be very useful for us. He can add something different in attack, as he can play across all four positions there. We also believe he can add good competition and depth to the squad, and we are happy to have him back with us.”
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.