Top 10 Indian youngsters who need to go out on loan in January transfer window: ISL

Quite a few talented young footballers are struggling for gametime in the ISL

Indian football is undergoing restructuring as the nation dreams of doing well at the international level. Quite a few youngsters have burst on the scene that can help develop Indian football.

While the Indian Super League clubs are aiming to get positive results, quite a few young players are not getting enough game time to shine. Here are ten young Indian players under the age of 23, who have shown potential with their respective clubs and should go on a loan for playing time.

10. Sayan Banerjee – East Bengal

The 21-year-old Asansol-born footballer is currently representing East Bengal. Sayan Banerjee has made four appearances for the Red and Gold Brigade in their 2024-25 ISL campaign, playing a total of 39 minutes.

The left winger had played eight ISL games last season and had also scored a goal but so far he has failed to impress Oscar Bruzon.

9. Monirul Molla – Bengaluru FC

The Bengaluru FC player had made eight substitute appearances in the 2023-24 ISL season. However, the Blues upgraded their squad over the summer and Monirul Molla has suffered the brunt of it.

The 19-year-old has managed to play just 2 minutes for the Blues this season and hence the forward could look for a move elsewhere in January.

8. Yanglem Sanatomba Singh – FC Goa

Sanatomba Singh had joined FC Goa from the Reliance Foundation Young Champs team this summer. The 18-year-old has played just 1 minute of football so far in the 2024-25 ISL season.

The centreback should consider a loan move to get better before establishing himself as a first choice centreback for FC Goa or any other ISL team.

7. Bekey Oram – NorthEast United

Valued at 40 lakhs, the Bengaluru FC youth product has represented India at the U-17 level. Bekey Oram had made nine appearances for NorthEast United in the 2023-24 ISL season including three starts.

However, the 21-year-old is not getting enough game time this season with the coach preferring Buanthanglun Samte in the rightback position. A January loan move to could Bekey Oram learn more and get more game time.

6. Nikhil Barla – Jamshedpur FC

Jamshedpur FC’s Nikhil Barla played 19 ISL games for his club in the 2023-24 season. However Khalid Jamil has preferred Shubham Sarangi and Ashutosh Mehta in the rightback spot this season, limiting Nikhil’s chances.

The 21-year-old has 6 ISL appearances this season starting just one game. Nikhil did prove his worth in the 2-1 win over Punjab FC earlier this month delivering an assist for Javier Siverio’s goal after coming on in the dying minutes.

5. Suhail Bhat – Mohun Bagan Super Giant

The 19-year-old joined Mohun Bagan ahead of the 2023-24 ISL season. Suhail Bhat made 7 appearances for the Mariners last season and has made 5 substitute appearances in the 2024-25 ISL season.

Suhail has also played for the Indian Arrows and the Indian national football team at youth level. Hence a loan move away from Mohun Bagan could help the youngster in getting more gametime.

4. Thoi Singh Huidrom – NorthEast United

NorthEast United’s 20-year-old star, Thoi Singh is another young prospect struggling for gametime. The youngster has provided 1 assist in 5 ISL games this season.

In total, Thoi has played just 96 minutes of football in the ISL this season and a loan move can help the young winger to get some much needed game time.

3. Jeremy Zohminghlua – Odisha FC

The versatile leftback has played just 8 minutes of football in the ISL this season. Jeremy has not even been part of the matchday squad for the Juggernauts for their last eight league games.

The 20-year-old was a revelation at Hyderabad FC last season, having started 5 of the 8 ISL games that he played. A move to Odisha FC has not helped his cause and Jeremy should hence consider a loan move in January.

2. Manglenthang Kipgen – Punjab FC

The 19-year-old footballer has played just 37 minutes of football in the ISL this season. Kipgen has represented India in the U-19 and U-20 level and hence there is no denying that he has quality.

The central midfielder has been part of Punjab FC since the 2020-21 season and a move outside on loan could help Kipgen develop further.

1. Gurkirat Singh – Chennaiyin FC

Gurkirat Singh moved to Chennaiyin FC from Mumbai City over the summer seeking more game time. While the 21-year-old has played 196 minutes in the 2024-25 ISL season, all of his appearances have been from the substitutes bench.

The forward has shown glimpses of his potential but a lack of game time is not helping his cause. A loan move could help Gurkirat’s form and get him some necessary confidence to help him take the next step in his career.

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