ISL: Six mutual contract terminations in league history

A list of players who parted ways with their parent club for one reason or another in ISL.

The Indian Super League (ISL) has witnessed different players across the clubs mutually part ways over the years. The recent mutual separation between FC Goa and Albanian striker Armando Sadiku is the latest example of this phenomenon.

While mutual contract terminations are usually an indicator of irreconcilable differences between a player and his club, some terminations happen more amicably and for more positive reasons.

Here we look at the top five ISL players who mutually parted ways in recent history:

5. Som Kumar (Left: Kerala Blasters FC)

The 19-year-old goalkeeper had mutually parted ways with the Tuskers in search of international opportunities. Kumar was signed by the Slovenian club NK Radomlje, a club competing in Prva Liga, the top tier league of Slovenian football.

The decision to join NK Radomlje and leave ISL was much more amicable between the Blasters and Kumar than any other name on this list. The move has also lit the fuse for Indian talent with huge potential to move overseas in the coming seasons.

4. Greg Stewart (Left: Mumbai City FC)

The Scottish midfielder mutually parted ways with his then-parent club, Mumbai City FC, in January 2024. Stewart expressed his desire to leave the Islanders midway through the season, looking to return home to Scotland due to personal reasons.

During his time with Mumbai City FC, Stewart contributed with 17 goals and 18 assists in 46 ISL games. He did eventually return to India during the 2024-25 season after moving from the Scottish club Kilmarnock FC to Mohun Bagan Super Giant. He finished with two goals and five assists in 18 games while winning the league winners Shield and the ISL title, completing the domestic double.

ALSO READ: Why FC Goa parted ways with Armando Sadiku ahead of 2025 Super Cup?

3. Pritam Kotal (Left: Kerala Blasters FC)

The 31-year-old right-back had mutually parted ways with the Kerala Blasters following lack of game time at the club. Kotal was signed by their southern rivals Chennaiyin FC on a two-year-deal as Owen Coyle looked towards strengthening their leaky backline.

During his time with Kerala Blasters FC, Kotal played 39 times and made only one assist. The 31-year-old won 2 tackles, 19 duels, 9 aerial duels, made 10 blocks, 31 recoveries, and 37 clearances for Kerala Blasters FC in the ISL season 2024-25.

2. Paulo Machado (Left: Mumbai City FC)

After his two-year stint with the Islanders, Paulo Machado and the club mutually agreed to terminate his contract as the club ushered in a new era. The 34-year-old joined the club in August 2018 and was an influential figure in the Islanders’ midfield.

Machado also helped guide Mumbai to their second-ever playoff qualification and even co-captained the Islanders with Amrinder Singh. The Portuguese international made five assists and scored three goals in the Islanders’ colors in 29 appearances over two years.

2. Alexandre Coeff (Left: Kerala Blasters FC)

The French defender, who had signed a one-year contract with Kerala Blasters FC, mutually parted ways earlier than the end of his deal. Coeff had joined the Blasters on a one-year contract after leaving French second-division side SM Caen.

In 13 matches he played for the club, Coeff scored once against Mohammedan Sporting Club and leaving just few weeks after the departure of Mikael Stahre.

1. Armando Sadiku (Left: FC Goa)

The Albanian striker Armando Sadiku and FC Goa mutually agreed to terminate his contract after irreconcilable differences with the coaching staff and disciplinary issues. The breaking point between the two parties came after Sadiku celebrated his goal against Bengaluru FC in an inappropriate fashion.

During his time with the Gaurs, Sadiku scored ten goals and made two assists.

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