Five Jamshedpur FC players ISL clubs can target

Jamshedpur FC announce exit from ISL.

Former Champions of India, Jamshedpur FC, led by the TATA group, have announced their withdrawal from the Indian Super League from 2026-27 onwards. The news spread like wildfire, taking the entire Indian football fraternity by storm.

Over the years, some of the biggest names in world football, including the likes of Australian legend Tim Cahill, former Manchester City gaffer Steve Coppell and former Burnley and Houston Dynamo gaffer Owen Coyle have been part of the Red Miners family.

This club also boasts some of the best Indian talents, and the Tata Football Academy (TFA), is regarded as one of the most esteemed youth academies in this country.

In the last two seasons, Jamshedpur FC have fared really well. From making it to the Finals of the Super Cup under Khalid Jamil to being a title contender until the final matchweek, they have been one of the most rapidly progressing teams in the league.

In this article, we take a closer look at the five players ISL clubs can target, following the announcement of their exit from ISL.

Nikhil Barla

One of the best fullbacks in India, Nikhil Barla, from humble beginnings to donning the Indian national team jersey, Barla has come a long way. His positional versatility is brilliant. He can flexibly play as a left back, right back or as a wingback.

Mohun Bagan relies heavily on rotating their squad. Having Ashish Rai and Barla dominating the flanks would be a nightmare for opposition teams, given that Bheke may be asked to move in a more central role. Apart from the Mariners, Barla also suits the Kerala Blasters profile well.

Lazar Cirkovic

Lazar Cirkovic, who joined Jamshedpur FC from Chennaiyin FC in 2024, has featured in 38 games for the Men of Steel. However, following Jamshedpur FC’s exit, the Serbian centre-back’s future remains uncertain.

Multiple ISL clubs can be a favourable destination for Cirkovic. Clubs like Kerala Blasters FC, Mumbai City FC and Inter Kashi could be the right destination for the Serbian as he brings physicality and defensive dominance alongside him. But only time will tell what the future holds for Lazar Cirkovic after Jamshedpur FC.

Md Sanan

Sanan is set to be one of the most sought-after players. He is young, versatile and one of the most technically brilliant players in India currently. He has emerged as one of the most explosive and highly coveted young wingers in Indian football.

The Kerala-born winger is a fearless and highly direct left winger. His blistering pace and transitional threats make him an asset for any club he plays for. East Bengal, Mumbai City FC and FC Goa could be the clubs who may be keen to go all in for Sanan in the transfer market.

Albino Gomes

Finding a veteran Indian goalkeeper with such quick reflexes is rare and given the scarcity of good Indian goalkeepers in the market, we can expect the Goa-born custodian to be a valuable asset for whichever team he plays for.

The Blasters might be interested in welcoming back Gomes. They are in dire need of a good goalkeeper and Albino Gomes suits them well. He also holds the record for making the most penalty saves in the history of the Indian Super League.

Raynier Fernandes

Raynier Fernandes joined Jamshedpur FC just ahead of the Durand Cup 2026 and put up some great numbers in the tournament, scoring four goals and providing two assists in four games, which is impressive. However, now that Jamshedpur FC are not continuing further, his future remains uncertain.

Multiple ISL clubs could be potential destinations for the midfielder, especially clubs like Odisha FC, Mumbai City FC and Inter Kashi FC. Raynier possesses good experience of playing top-tier Indian football, and his inclusion could be good for some clubs.

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