ISL 2026-27: Top 5 foreign transfers so far

ISL 2026-27 to begin on 10th October.

Despite all the current situations surrounding the Indian football ecosystem, Indian Super League (ISL) is all set to get back to the full format with 13 teams playing 24 group stage games each. The 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season is likely to start on 10th October with a newly club-led model from this season onwards.

With clarity finally coming around the league, the ISL clubs have been heavily active in the summer transfer window so far, making some good investments.

Multiple Indian players have found new clubs this time around, along with a lot of new foreign recruits coming into the league. Some foreign players are yet to be seen in action, meanwhile some foreigners have already shown their ability in the Durand Cup 2026 and ACL Two Preliminary Stage match.

In this article, we will take a look at the top 5 foreign transfers in the Indian Super League clubs so far.

5. Alex Zalaya (FC Goa)

FC Goa arrived in the summer transfer window a little late, but when they did, it was back-to-back signings. And Alex Zalaya’s move to FC Goa is one transfer that brings in a lot of quality to the Gaurs, however, isn’t talked about enough.

Alex Zalaya joins the Gaurs until the end of the 2026-27 season on a one-year deal after spending his entire footballing career in Spain, featuring for multiple key clubs in multiple divisions like FC Barcelona Atlètic, UE Cornella etc.

Zalaya has already featured for the Gaurs in the AFC Champions League Two Preliminary Stage match against FK Arkadag and did struggle to find his footing. However, let us not forget that this was their first and only game in the 2026-27 season so far.

The 28-year-old centre back’s move to FC Goa is one to watch out and cannot be ignored at all. This move takes the fifth spot due to the experience that the defender brings despite being just 28-year-old.

4. Nikola Ninković (NorthEast United FC)

Nikola Ninković’s move to NorthEast United FC can be a very interesting move if it works. Nikola has not yet looked fit enough and played very limited minutes for the Highlanders in the Durand Cup 2026 after joining the squad mid tournament.

However, one thing can’t be denied is that the Serbian has shown his quality at instances, so it is just a matter of time before he gets to his best with the squad.

With 355 senior appearances, the Serbian has scored 58 goals and provided 77 assists, representing multiple clubs like Partizan, Genoa, Chievo, Ascoli, Empoli, Brescia, Torpedo Kutaisi and most recently Sumgayit FK.

Nikola has also represented Serbia at the U-17, U-19 and U-21 level while also gaining experience in UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds and the UEFA Europa League.

It didn’t take long for him to become one of the brightest young players in Serbian football, helping Partizan win the Serbian SuperLiga before making history as the youngest captain the club had ever appointed at just 17 years and 10 months.

His versatile profile and experience puts him at the 4th spot on the list.

3. Lee Erwin (Mohun Bagan SG)

The Scottish centre-forward, Lee Erwin has joined Mohun Bagan SG ahead of the 2026-27 season. Erwin initially agreed personal terms with Chennaiyin FC, however, the Mariners jumped right in and signed the Scottish forward.

Lee Erwin started his career at the Motherwell FC youth set up before moving to Leeds United in England. Across 352 senior appearances, the 32-year-old has scored 101 goals and provided 36 assists, representing multiple big clubs like Leeds United, Bury FC, Motherwell FC, HJK Helsinki etc.

He recently featured in the Jordanian Pro League for Al-Faisaly SC, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists for them.

Erwin has also represented Scotland at the U-17, U-18 and U-19 youth level. The forward can play anywhere across the front line and especially keeping in mind that the Mariners already have Maclaren, they may use him as a winger or a second striker at instances.

His ability to score goals and big game experience puts him at the 3rd spot on the list.

2. Giorgi Aburjania (Odisha FC)

The 31-year-old Georgian midfielder Giorgi Aburjania has joined Odisha FC ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season.

The experienced midfielder brings immense experience to the Odisha FC squad as he has played in multiple countries before. Aburjania began his senior career in Georgia with Metalurgi Rustavi and later moved to FC Dila and Lokomotivi Tbilisi.

The Georgian has played for multiple big Spanish clubs like Sevilla FC, Real Oviedo etc. and has 88 LaLiga 2 appearances to his name. He made his senior team debut for Georgia on 29th March 2016 and since then has played 39 games for the senior national team. Giorgi Aburjania recently featured in the Saudi second division for Jeddah SC.

His international exposure and ability to control the midfield puts him at the second spot on the list.

1. Menno Koch (Bengaluru FC)

Many will argue regarding the best foreign transfer in ISL so far this season and it can only be clear once the season begins and the players start performing. However, in terms of ‘big name’ Menno Koch’s arrival at Bengaluru FC is perhaps the biggest one.

The 32-year-old Dutch centre-back came through PSV Eindhoven‘s academy after starting out at RKSV Heeze and made his professional debut for Jong PSV in 2013. He was also a part of the PSV squad that won the Eredivisie in the 2014-15 season.

Menno has throughout his career played in Netherlands with stints at Poland, Belgium and Norway as well and have also played against big names like Robin van Persie, Frenkie de Jong, Luuk de Jong, Dušan Tadić, Donny van de Beek and Kasper Dolberg. The Dutchman joins the Blues after representing Norwegian side Sarpsborg 08.

So, keeping in check the ‘big name’ profile, Menno Koch definitely tops the list, but will he be the best foreign recruitment this season can only be known once the season starts!

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