Three positions Bengaluru FC need to strengthen for 2025-26 season

The Blues lost the 2025 ISL Final to Mohun Bagan.

Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC‘s 2024-25 campaign was a tale of resurgence and near misses as they had an impressive comeback season. Under the guidance of head coach Gerard Zaragoza, the Blues showcased moments of brilliance, including emphatic victories over top-tier teams like FC Goa, Mumbai City FC, and Mohun Bagan Super Giant.

However, inconsistent performances, particularly in the mid-season games, prevented Bengaluru FC from securing a direct semi-final berth as they finished third in the final league standings. The 2024-25 season highlighted areas that the Blues will be requiring new reinforcements in their bid to compete at the highest level.

With the Blues looking to compete in all competitions during the 2025–26 season, here are three pivotal positions that Bengaluru FC needs to bolster to transform into consistent title contenders:

Is it time to move on from Gurpreet Singh Sandhu?

One of the positions that the Blues might be looking to upgrade is the goalkeeping department. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, once a stalwart between the posts for Bengaluru FC, experienced a mixed bag of a season between the sticks during the 2024–25 season.

While he started strong in the first five games of the season, keeping five consecutive clean sheets, a series of errors after matchweek six raised eyebrows. Although he returned with commendable performances in the playoffs, questions linger about his consistency in high-stakes matches like the ISL Final.

Gurpreet was again in the spotlight as errors in goalkeeping led to Jamie Maclaren finding the net in extra time. Gerard Zaragoza will be hoping to ensure stability at the back ahead of next season. Bengaluru FC might consider recruiting a reliable goalkeeper who can either challenge Gurpreet for the starting role or provide competition to motivate him and get the best out of him.

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Lack of depth at right-back

The defensive solidity of the Blues was questioned during the regular season as injuries and inconsistent performances hampered their season. Any top side requires a solid backbone to ensure success at the highest level, and Bengaluru FC will need to do the same to remain competitive next season.

One particular area of the team, Gerard Zaragoza, will be looking to reinforce is the right-back position. While the emergence of Namgyal Bhutia was encouraging in the ISL playoffs, injury to starting right-back Nikhil Poojary left them vulnerable at the back. While players like Roshan Singh and Mohammed Salah were deployed to fill the spaces, a new signing will help them rest and rotate their squad players.

As one of the demanding and challenging positions on the football field, Zaragoza will be looking for an energetic and committed player who could bring the ball from the back, distribute the ball effectively, and help the wingers in attack at Bengaluru FC.

Bengaluru FC need attacking options

While Sunil Chhetri‘s remarkable season, where he matched his best-ever goal tally of 12 goals, was a testament to his enduring class. While relying heavily on a 40-year-old, despite his form, is a short-term solution, Zaragoza will be searching for more goals in attack. The team needs a younger, dynamic striker who can share the goal-scoring responsibilities, provide depth, and eventually take over the mantle from Sunil Chhetri.

While the Bengaluru FC attack has veteran attackers like Edgar Mendez and Jorge Pereyra-Diaz, a young player with potential will reduce the burden on Chhetri and the veterans while also offering tactical flexibility in the attacking third. The Spaniard will most probably rely on players like Siva Sakthi Narayanan, Vinith Venkatesh, and Rohit Danu; however, Bengaluru FC will always be in the market for any possibility.

With the right reinforcements in the summer, Bengaluru FC can aim to convert their moments of brilliance into consistent performances for the 2025-26 season. The Spaniard will be hoping to bring some silverware back to the Sree Kanteerava Stadium ahead of a crucial Year 2 with the Blues.

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