How Punjab FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Punjab FC finished sixth in ISL 2025-26 points table

Punjab FC under the leadership of Greek head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis had a good Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season as they finished sixth on the points table. Although it seems like a mid-table spot, but the finish does not define the season the Shers had. Punjab FC gathered 22 points in 13 games and were just 1 win away from finishing in the top 3.

Punjab FC had positives throughout the season but again being consistent throughout the league was a problem for the Shers. They missed out on consistent results when it was needed the most.

With multiple key players already departing ahead of the new season, it will pose as a challenge for the Shers to fill the gap that has now been created.

In this article we take a look at what Punjab FC can do in this summer transfer window to challenge for silverware in the upcoming season.

A recap of ISL 2025-26 season

Punjab FC had a decent ISL 2025-26 finishing 6th in the league just a win behind the top 3. The Shers managed to gather 22 points in 13 league games with 4 draws, 6 wins and 3 losses in their account.

It was a season full of positives for the Punjab outfit; there was a point on the last matchday where the Shers were fighting competitively for the top spot and where one of the contenders, but the inconsistency and last matchday defeat to Mumbai City FC completely shattered their chances of even being open for the title.

The club did not have a very good start of the season as they lost their first league game to Jamshedpur FC with a scoreline of 1-0.

The injuries hit Punjab FC camp and perhaps was one of the reasons why they struggled at some stages. Players like Suhail, Pramveer, Nikhil Prabhu and Pablo Santos missed a major chunk of the league stage matches due to injury concerns

However, the season also saw some positives with the likes of Indian players like Ricky Shabong and Lhungdim stepping up. Even the foreign contingent looked sharp throughout along with their head coach.

What should the Shers do in the transfer market

The outgoings

With some major departures the Punjab FC squad is on its way to a revamp heading into the 2026-27 season. The gap left by the key players like Samir Zeljkovic, Dani Ramirez, Osuji, Pramveer can be very tough to fill as these couple of players were a solid part of this team.

Also, with the departure of head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis who joined Mohun Bagan SG, more foreigners may bid goodbye to the team, and this will lead to a restructuring within the coaching staff and the core players.

The focus

The focus should now be to build a squad that fills every gap that the departures have made and also recruit a good head coach. Signing good centrebacks, midfielders and key foreign players will be a major task. And the Shers should focus on retaining the likes of Effiong among the foreigners as he was outstanding for them.

However, for a better frontline they have signed Alfred Planas from Inter Kashi, whose signing can prove to be very decisive for them. Perhaps the Shers could also focus on getting better Indian forwards especially wingers keeping in mind the injury concerns.

Also Read: How Jamshedpur FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Some transfer targets the Shers can go for (opinion)

Asheer Akhtar (NorthEast United FC)

A major departure from the club is that of Pramveer Singh who decided to join the Highlanders. A good Indian centreback is a must for the Shers and Asheer Akhtar could be the right player who could even form an Indian defensive backline alongside Bijoy.

Thoi Singh Huidrom (Free Agent)

Thoi Singh could be a very good option for Punjab FC as he can be placed on either wing and is a player who has done well over time. After bidding goodbye to the Highlanders, Thoi Singh is now a free agent who could be very useful for the Shers.

Andy Rodriguez (Free Agent)

Another player who can help the Shers is another former NorthEast United player, Andy Rodriguez. After the departure of Samir Zeljkovic, Andy could very well be the like-to-like replacement who not only gives option in the midfield but also can be very useful defensively and offensively.

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