Exclusive: ISL side SC Delhi sign Diamond Singh & three more young talents

The Phoenix continue their youth-first project ahead of their maiden Durand Cup campaign

Sporting Club Delhi (SC Delhi) have completed the signings of four of Indian football’s brightest young talents ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season, Khel Now can exclusively confirm.

The capital club have secured the services of Diamond Singh, Irengbam Newtan, Kamgouhao Doungel and Ringsangmi Lungharwo, continuing their long-term investment in youth as preparations gather pace for the new campaign.

All four players are regarded among the country’s top prospects in their respective age groups. Three of them have come through the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy, while two of them have represented India in the national youth setup.

The latest additions also underline SC Delhi’s commitment to building for the future, with the club set to compete in the Durand Cup for the first time in its history.

Unlike several ISL clubs, where young signings often spend their first few seasons with the reserve team or on the fringes of the senior squad, SC Delhi have opted for a different approach.

The capital club have decided to loan out three of their new recruits to clubs in the lower divisions of Indian football, allowing them to gain regular first-team minutes in a competitive environment before returning to challenge for places in the ISL squad. The strategy is one the club successfully implemented last season with India youth international Mohammed Kaif, who spent the campaign on loan and is now set to be integrated into SC Delhi’s first team for the 2026-27 season.

SC Delhi continue to invest in young talent

The signings underline the long-term vision SC Delhi have embraced since being acquired by the B.C. Jindal Group two years ago. Under head coach Tomasz Tchorz, the club has consistently placed its faith in young Indian talent, handing several youngsters significant first-team opportunities last season and continuing that approach during the 2026 summer transfer window.

Among the four recruits, Thokchom Diamond Singh is regarded as one of the brightest talents in Indian football.

The 16-year-old attacking midfielder from Manipur is a product of the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy and a regular member of Bibiano Fernandes’ India U-17 squad, having represented the country at the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026.

Known for his composure on the ball, creativity and ability to link midfield with attack, Diamond has already established himself as one of the standout prospects in his age group. He is currently training with SC Delhi’s senior squad as part of his transition into professional football.

Goalkeeper Irengbam Newtan also joins the capital club after progressing through the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy. He has featured in competitions such as the AIFF Elite Youth League (U-17) and the Vedanta Youth Cup (U-16).

To accelerate his development, Newtan will spend the upcoming season on loan at FC Real Bengaluru, where he is expected to gain regular first-team football.

Versatile midfielder Ringsangmi Lungharwo arrives after impressing with ASUFII FA and during the India U-20 camp. Comfortable in central midfield, he is recognised for his vision, composure in possession and defensive work rate.

Like Newtan, Ringsangmi will continue his development away from the capital, joining South United FC on loan for the season.

The fourth signing, Kamgouhao Doungel, is another product of the AIFF FIFA Talent Academy. A quick and direct attacking player capable of operating across the front line, Doungel has also represented India at the U-17 level after beginning his development at Football 4 Change Academy.

He will also join FC Real Bengaluru on loan to gain valuable senior football experience.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: ISL side SC Delhi sign India U-23 captain Lalrinliana Hnamte

SC Delhi’s activity in the summer transfer window so far

SC Delhi have been one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The club earlier signed Burundi international David Richard Ndayishimiye and Colombian defender Duván Viáfaraas their first foreign recruits for the new campaign.

They have also retained Mohammed Aimen, Mohammed Azhar, Nora Fernandes, Ashutosh Mehta, Joseph Sunny and Gogou, while India U-23 captain Lalrinliana Hnamte arrived from Chennaiyin FC.

On the departures front, club captain Alex Saji joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant, while Julio Rivas, Matija Babovic, Muhammed Rafi, Karanjit Singh, Abdul Hudu, Devendra Murgaokar, Ousmane Fane, Isaac and Ebenezer Amohhave all left the club.

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