How SC Delhi should approach the ISL summer transfer window

Sporting Club Delhi finished 12th in the ISL table

For years, the Indian football fans in the nation’s capital waited for a club that they could proudly call their own. Sporting Club Delhi’s (SC Delhi) arrival finally brought the top division football back to the city, reigniting the hopes that Delhi could once again find a club for themselves after Delhi Dynamos.

With a new identity, an ambitious project and a squad capable of competing at the top level, there was genuine optimism surrounding the club ahead of its debut campaign.

However, the excitement of welcoming ISL football to Delhi was not matched by the results on the pitch. SC Delhi had a difficult first season, finishing 12th in the 14-team league with just two wins and 11 points.

While there were glimpses of promise throughout the campaign, inconsistency, missed opportunities and an inability to build momentum ultimately prevented the club from making a meaningful impact in the league this season

Despite the disappointing finish, the season was far from devoid of positives. Matija Babović emerged as one of the standout performers, while young players like Joseph Sunny and Clarence Fernandes showed enough to suggest SC Delhi already possesses the foundations of a competitive side.

At the same time, several experienced players and talented youngsters struggled for consistent opportunities, leaving questions over whether the squad was utilised to its fullest potential.

The upcoming summer transfer window therefore represents far more than an opportunity to add new faces. It is a chance for Sporting Club Delhi to learn from the mistakes of their debut campaign, strengthen the areas that genuinely require improvement and build a good squad capable of fighting against the stronger teams of the league.

Rather than opting for another rebuild, the focus should be on smarter recruitment, better squad management and creating a team capable of taking the next necessary steps to compete in the league.

The lack of depth in defence must be addressed

One of SC Delhi’s biggest priorities this summer should be strengthening their defensive options. While the starting defenders showed encouraging signs, the squad lacked sufficient depth to comfortably cope with injuries, suspensions and dips in form across a long campaign.

The left-back position, in particular, requires immediate attention. Manoj Mohammad was the club’s only recognised natural option for large parts of the season, while Muhammad Rafi’s injury further exposed the lack of depth in that area. A club cannot rely on a single specialist full-back making another quality left-back a necessity rather than a luxury.

The club must also reinforce the heart of the defence. Alex Saji possesses the experience and leadership to contribute at this level, yet he never got the consistency in selection that many expected but now he has left the club to join Mohun Bagan SG. So now, SC Delhi need a reliable centre-back capable of competing for a starting place while also bringing composure and organisation to the defensive unit.

Strengthening the backline should not simply be about adding numbers but about creating a strong defense that is resilient

Add experience in the goalkeeping department

Nora Fernandes had a good season at SC Delhi’s first-choice goalkeeper last season, but the club’s lack of experienced cover remains a concern.

Over the course of a long ISL campaign, injuries and suspensions are inevitable, and Sporting Club Delhi currently do not have a proven backup other than Vishal capable of stepping in without a significant drop in quality.

Signing an experienced goalkeeper should therefore be a priority this summer. Not only would it have some healthy competition for the starting spot, but it would also ensure SC Delhi are well-equipped to deal with any unforeseen injuries during the season.

Also Read: Full fixtures list of SC Delhi for Durand Cup 2026

Build a stronger leadership group

Perhaps SC Delhi’s most overlooked requirement this summer is leadership. Lamgoulen Hangshing, who is also known as Gogou, carried much of the responsibility as one of the squad’s experienced voices. However, expecting a single player to shoulder that responsibility across an entire ISL season is unrealistic.

Successful teams are built around multiple leaders spread across the pitch. Hence This summer, SC Delhi should actively recruit players who offer more than technical quality.

Footballers with captaincy experience, strong personalities and the ability to organise teammates could prove invaluable for the team.

Also Read: Full fixtures list of SC Delhi for Durand Cup 2026

Bringing more control in the midfield

While SC Delhi’s attacking unit showed glimpses of promise, the midfield often struggled to perform consistently in matches. In many games, the midfield was easily dominated, leaving the defence under pressure and the forwards isolated.

Rather than searching for another ball-winning midfielder, SC Delhi should prioritise a player capable of controlling possession, progressing the ball under pressure and linking defence with attack.

A midfielder comfortable of receiving possession in tight spaces and capable of dictating the rhythm of games would provide the side with greater balance while reducing the burden on both the defence and the attacking players.

Reassess the foreign contingent

The foreign players of a team are usually expected to be the difference-makers in the Indian Super League, making them one of the most important aspects of squad building. Matija Babović justified his place by consistently contributing in the final third and proving his value over the course of the campaign.

However, the same cannot be said for the rest of the overseas players, many of whom failed to influence matches consistently.

SC Delhi should therefore use this transfer window to carefully evaluate each overseas position. The objective should not be to make changes for the sake of it but to ensure every foreign signing significantly improves the starting XI.

In a league where overseas players often decide tight contests, Sporting cannot afford to carry foreign recruits who fail to consistently impact results.

Maximise the quality already within the squad

Another big question SC Delhi must ask itself is whether it truly extracted the maximum from the players already available. Throughout the season, several players found opportunities difficult to come by despite possessing the quality and experience to contribute.

Ashutosh Mehta rarely enjoyed extended runs in the side, while attackers such as Sourav and Ramhlunchhunga also struggled for consistent opportunities despite showing encouraging signs in previous seasons. Alan Saji, too, displayed flashes of quality whenever called upon, but never managed to establish continuity.

At the same time, Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar were unable to consistently produce the performances expected of them, highlighting the need for greater competition and accountability within the squad.

Thus before making additions, Sporting Club Delhi must ensure they are fully utilising the resources that are already available.

Better squad management and clearer roles can help the existing group while reducing the need for unnecessary recruitment.

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