A look at Punjab FC's foreign contingent for ISL 2026-27

The Shers have made four foreign signings so far.

With the latest iteration of the Indian Super League (ISL) set to kick off from October 10th, 2026, Punjab FC will look to build on their record highest 6th placed finish last season.

Having completely revamped their foreign contingent, the Shers have a new look side this year. Along with new signings all over the pitch, the team also welcomed a change off the pitch. Pavlos Dermitzakis is the newest coach in town, the third of Greek origin, after Staikos Vergetis and Panagiotis Dilberis.

Having joined the club in late July, it is safe to assume that the new coach Pavlos had a big say in the players signed by the club for the upcoming 2026-26 ISL season.

Let’s have a look at the new foreigners that have been signed by the club for the 2026-27 season:

Punjab FC’s Foreign Players 2026-27

Alfred Planas

After having a minorly successful season at Inter Kashi, with five goals to show for himself, the 30-year-old Spaniard is now set to don the Punjab colours.

Playing primarily as a striker, Planas will be expected to fill in the boots of departing Effiong Nsungusi, who recently joined ISL 2025-26 Champions East Bengal FC. Planas has a great task in front of him, as Effiong was the top scorer for the Shers in the 2025-26 season, with 7 goals in 12 games.

The Spaniard scored a terrific volley last season in the final round of fixtures against East Bengal, in an almost Van Persie-like fashion. While his team lost the match to the eventual cup winners, Planas’ moment of magic from the day became one of the best goals of the 2025-26 ISL season.

• Age: 30
• Country of Birth: Spain
• Position: RW/LW/CF/CAM
• Preferred Foot: Right
• Played for: Inter Kashi, Gokulam Kerala, Elche, Valencia B, UE Cornella

Raphael Messi Bouli

Messi Bouli knows a thing or two about playing in this league, with 2026-27 set to be his 4th stint for an ISL club, having already plied his trade for Kerala Blasters, East Bengal, and Jamshedpur FC.

The Cameroonian International has had lots of ups & downs during his career in the ISL. His most prolific season came in 2019-20 when he was on fire for the Yellow Army, netting 8 goals. His towering height and experience in the league can prove to be crucial for Punjab FC.

However, his poor record for both East Bengal and Jamshedpur – scoring just four times in a combined 18 games, can take some time to brush away. The Shers will be hoping that ISL’s Messi can find his feet and regain his form as soon as possible.

• Age: 34
• Country of Birth: Cameroon
• Position: CF/LW/SS
• Preferred Foot: Left
• Played for: Jamshedpur FC, Kerala Blasters, East Bengal, YB Funde

Patrick Bahanack

Bahanack is a towering centre-back who has been signed from Ethnikos Achna, a club in the Cypriot First Division.

With this being his first foray into non-European football, it will be intriguing to see how the Cameroonian fares on Indian soil. Having played in Greece for most of his career, he will be in sync with the Dermitzakis, who has extensively managed clubs in the country.

The 29-year-old will be expected to replace the two foreigners that the club released – Pablo Santos and Samir Zeljkovic.

• Age: 29
• Country of Birth: Cameroon
• Position: CB/LB
• Preferred Foot: Left
• Played for: Ethnikos, Stade Reims, Niki Volos

Diego Raposo

Diego Raposo is yet another new signing, who joins on a free transfer from FC Lokomotiv Sofia, who play in the top tier of Bulgarian club football.

Prior to that, the Brazilian attacking midfielder used to play in the lower divisions of the Portuguese football with clubs such as Torreense, RD Águeda & SC Beira-Mar.

Raposo in an exciting prospect, as he is also proficient at playing in the wings. He is extremely skillful, the 29-year-old excels in getting the ball out of tight spaces. While he may not be the most prolific goal scorer, he can create a lot of chances for the strikers that will play ahead of him.

• Age: 29
• Country of Birth: Brazil
• Position: LW/CAM/RW
• Preferred Foot: Left
• Played for: Torreense, Loko Sofia, Al-Dhafra

Note: This article will be updated once Punjab FC announce their complete roster for 2026-27 season….!

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