Farukh Choudhary returns to Mumbai City FC
Indian forward Farukh Choudhary has rejoined Mumbai City FC on a contract until 2027.
Farukh Choudhary has rejoined Mumbai City FC on a contract running until the end of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. The 29-year-old attacker returns after previous spells with Jamshedpur FC and Chennaiyin FC, reuniting with former national team coach Manolo Márquez at his new club.
Choudhary previously made six appearances for Mumbai City during the 2020-21 campaign. His return strengthens the squad's attacking options as the club undergoes a transition under Spanish head coach Márquez. Choudhary has been a regular presence around the Indian national team in recent times.
Career impact and experience
Born in Ambarnath, Maharashtra, Farukh Choudhary brings extensive domestic experience to the Mumbai City squad. He has made 126 appearances in the Indian Super League across his career. The forward featured prominently during the Blue Tigers' recent international fixtures, scoring India's only goal in a 3-1 defeat to Tajikistan in June 2026.
His career statistics at both club and international level demonstrate his pedigree:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Super League | 126 | 7 | 10 |
| Indian National Team | 24 | 3 | Not specified |
Contract and tactical fit
Choudhary's deal will keep him at Mumbai City FC until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season. Manager Manolo Márquez has highlighted the player's versatility across attacking positions and the competition he can bring to the squad. Márquez believes Choudhary can add something different in attack, as he is capable of playing across all four forward positions.
Squad context at Mumbai City
The signing comes amid significant changes to Mumbai City's attacking lineup. Key wide players Lallianzuala Chhangte and Bipin Singh have departed the club. Furthermore, young attacker Gyamar Nikum is no longer part of the club's immediate plans.
Nikum was signed from Rajasthan United in January 2023 and spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Inter Kashi, where he won the Best Emerging Player award in the I-League. After returning from loan, he made only seven appearances for Mumbai City. The transfer fee for Nikum was undisclosed, though he was originally handed a long-term contract by the club.
Choudhary is set to work with the team ahead of the new season. He stated that coming back to Mumbai City means a lot to him, referencing good memories from his previous stint. He expressed his intention to work hard, contribute to the team's strong squad and big ambitions, and help achieve the club's goals.
