Indian Football League 2026-27 Transfer Window Roundup

The 2026-27 Indian Football League season kicks off on October 16, 2026. Eleven clubs will compete in the second-tier league, which was rebranded as the IFL on January 28, 2026, with promotion to the Indian Super League at stake.

The transfer activity has varied dramatically from club to club. Some teams have undertaken significant squad rebuilds, while others have entered the new campaign with minimal changes.

Major Squad Overhauls

Several clubs have been exceptionally busy in the market. Gokulam Kerala FC, after a disappointing ninth-place finish last season, has start a major recruitment drive. They have brought in eleven new players, including experienced figures like Joao Rodrigues, Crislan, and Mikel Kortazar.

Real Kashmir FC has also undergone a major window. They signed six new players following a large clear-out. The most notable arrival is last season's IFL top scorer, Marcus Joseph, who joins from Dempo SC. Joseph scored nine goals in the 2025-26 campaign.

Shillong Lajong FC has been another active participant, bringing in six new faces. Their arrivals include the experienced Tche Tche and talents like Nelson Rymbai.

Quiet Windows and Key Departures

In contrast, some clubs have seen little incoming activity. Mohammedan SC, relegated from the ISL, has made no new signings. They have only confirmed the departures of Subhajit Bhattacharjee and Robi Hansda.

Delhi FC and Aizawl FC are also yet to make significant moves. FC Bengaluru United is the only team with a completely silent window, reporting no arrivals or departures at all.

Dempo SC faces the challenge of replacing a key goalscorer. The departure of Marcus Joseph, the league's top scorer last season, is described in the source as "a significant blow." They have signed Richard Owusu as their sole new arrival.

Chanmari FC finds itself in a potentially difficult position. The club has seen eight players depart, including Tche Tche, and has announced no new arrivals. The Khel Now report suggests the season "could be challenging if financial and staffing issues are not resolved."

Notable Individual Moves

A few specific transfers stand out for their potential impact. Sreenidi Deccan FC, which finished third last season, has made a key defensive signing. They have brought in ISL-experienced defender Pritam Kotal. The source states this addition "should improve the shape of their defence."

The club also signed forwards Lalbiakdika and Rochharzela. Rochharzela, a former NorthEast United FC and Mohammedan SC player, joined on a two-year deal.

Rajasthan United has undergone a major squad clear-out after a fourth-place finish. Twelve players have departed. Their first signing is Jahangir Ahmed, arriving on loan from Chennaiyin FC's reserve team.

Aizawl FC's sole new signing is goalkeeper RS Lallawmzuala, who joins from Chanmari FC. The club will look to build its defensive shape around him after an eighth-place finish last term.

The league composition has also shifted. Delhi Football Club and Bengaluru United entered the IFL after promotion from IFL 2. Mohammedan SC joined after relegation from the ISL. The 2025-26 champion, Diamond Harbour FC, is not participating this season after failing to complete its participation fee payment to the AIFF by the deadline.