Punjab FC set for major revamp; to release all foreigners ahead of ISL 2025-26

Luka Majcen was the standout player for Punjab FC in the 2024-25 season.

With the 2024-25 football season winding down, Indian Super League clubs have started making preparations for next campaign. Mohun Bagan Super Giant steamrolled through the league, winning both the ISL League winner’s Shield and the ISL Title this season.

While the likes of FC Goa, Bengaluru FC, and NorthEast United gave tough competition to the Mariners, other clubs will be looking to make some important changes in the summer. I-League 2022-23 champions, Punjab FC are one such club which seem to have already planned a few things.

Punjab FC set to release all six foreigners

Luka Majcen, Ivan Novoselec, Filip Mrzljak, Asmir Suljic, Ezequiel Vidal, and Petros Giakoumakis are the six foreigners currently employed at Punjab FC. Club captain Majcen, in particular, has been a leader on and off the field for the club.

However, as per sources close to Khel Now, the Shers are not looking to retain any of their six foreigners for the upcoming season. The two-time I-League champions are reportedly going in for a complete revamp and hence are not looking to retain any of their existing foreigners.

“A couple of foreign players who performed well last season don’t want to continue at the club due to a dispute with the management”, source closed to the development informed Khel Now.

Punjab FC’s performance in 2024-25 football season

After a forgettable debut campaign in the 2023-24 ISL season, Punjab FC registered a strong start in the league last season. However, injuries, suspensions, and a bad run of form ended the club’s playoff hopes as they finished 10th in the points table.

After their ISL campaign, the side started their Kalinga Super Cup tournament with a 3-0 win over Odisha FC. However, their journey came to a screeching halt against FC Goa at the quarterfinals stage as Punjab FC lost 2-1, ending their 2024-25 football season without silverware.

PFC had a young Indian squad this season that included emerging talents like Tekcham Abhishek Singh, Mohammed Suhail, and Ricky John Shabong. Boasting an academy rich in talent, it was no surprise that the Shers were able to sustain with a squad that was comparatively youthful compared to other ISL clubs.

Is it a fair decision to let go of all foreigners?

There was some imbalance in Punjab FC’s foreign signings last season, as they had just one overseas defender in Ivan Novoselec. Filip Mrzlijak was similarly the only foreign option to boss the club’s midfield.

With an overload of overseas forwards, Punjab FC were expected to let go of a couple of foreign forwards to sign alternatives in midfield and defence. However, it was not expected of the Shers to let go of all their foreign players.

The likes of Luka Majcen, Ezequiel Vidal, Filip Mrzlijak, and Ivan Novoselec performed quite well for the Punjab-based club. Hence, it’s no surprise all four players are now garnering interest from other ISL clubs.

With the outfit looking to revamp their squad, it has to be seen if Punjab FC can make it to the playoffs in the next ISL season.

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