How NorthEast United FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

NorthEast United FC had an underwhelming ISL 2025-26 season

NorthEast United FC are one of the most improved football clubs in India and have been on a positive growth for a couple of seasons now. But the Highlanders had a very underwhelming 2025-26 season apart from lifting the Durand Cup 2025 title early on in the season.

With uncertainty looming over the ISL, the key players had to be let go who were part of the Durand Cup winning squad such as Chema Nunez and Alaaeddine Ajaraie (on loan) which haunted the Highlanders as they went through the season.

As NorthEast United FC gear up for this new season with several arrivals and departures, in this article we take a look at what the Highlanders can do in the summer transfer window which can improve their squad and bring back the glory days under Juan Pedro Benali.

A recap of ISL 2025-26 season

NorthEast United FC had a very underwhelming ISL 2025-26 finishing 9th in the league way behind the title race. The Highlanders managed to gather just 16 points in 13 league games with 4 draws, 4 wins and 5 losses in their account.

It was an ISL season to forget for the Highlanders; at one instance they were very close to finishing at the bottom half of the table and a fight for the relegation was very realistic. This drop from being the Durand Cup champions to becoming a struggling side in just a couple of months defines the struggles they faced.

The club struggled and the results against SC Delhi and Odisha FC proved very costly for them as they conceded 7 goals in these two games scoring just 1.

The injuries hit NorthEast United FC’s camp, and multiple key players like Zabaco and Jairo had to miss a major chunk of the season. With the players’ form arriving very late in the season, they somehow managed to get good results and finished in a respectable position way above the relegation zone.

However, the season also saw some positives with multiple key Indian youngsters getting good game time and stepping up at moments.

What should the Highlanders do in the transfer market

The outgoings

NorthEast United FC have already let go of Jairo Samperio, Andy Rodriguez, Zabaco and Thoi Singh. While Jairo’s and Zabaco’s departures still seem believable, letting go of Thoi Singh and their best player of the season, Andy Rodriguez, is certainly surprising, especially when there were a couple of players who could have been released but weren’t.

Now the club must focus of bringing in players who suit Benali’s system and adapt well with the team.

The focus

A very good news for the Highlanders is that their talisman Alaaeddine Ajaraie is finally back from a loan move from Indonesia. The team heavily depends on him and most certainly should build another season around him.

With some great signings like Pramveer and Abdul Rabeeh already completed the aim is clear: to build a team for the future and doing that by giving chances to players like Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia is very necessary. Along with youngsters the team also needs some solid foreign players especially with most of their foreigners released.

They need foreigners who bring experience and can help these young Indian talents to grow maturely. The midfield and the defense especially are two key areas where the foreign reinforcements need to be good and trusting the young prodigy Pramveer will be very important.

Also Read: Alaaeddine Ajaraie returns to ISL, signs new NorthEast United contract

Some transfer targets the Highlanders can go for (opinion)

Amey Ranawade

Not a very big name, but one with experience in Indian football. NorthEast United FC were playing Redeem Tlang at right-back last season, and he did well.

However, since he is not a natural right-back, it did cost them at times. So, signing a trustworthy right-back could be the right move, or perhaps Juan Pedro Benali might decide to play Pramveer in that position instead.

Sergio Llamas (Inter Kashi)

The 33-year-old Spanish midfielder, Sergi Llamas could be another option for Juan Pedro Benali’s side in the midfield. Sergio had a good season with Inter Kashi FC and has been a consistent name in Indian football ecosystem.

He also brings valuable international experience, having won the LaLiga 2 title with Deportivo Alavés and played in multiple overseas leagues. He could be a player NorthEast United should consider.

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