Mohun Bagan SG's Major Summer Overhaul for ISL 2026-27

Mohun Bagan SG has aggressively reshaped its squad with multiple signings from rival ISL clubs ahead of the 2026-27 season. The summer transfer window has closed with the Kolkata giants aiming to reclaim the title they lost to East Bengal FC last campaign.

The club's recruitment drive targeted talent from across the league. They secured winger Lallianzuala Chhangte from Mumbai City FC for a significant fee. Forward Miguel Figueira made the switch from champions East Bengal FC. Other domestic acquisitions include defender Rahul Bheke from Bengaluru FC, midfielder Samir Zeljkovic from Punjab FC, and forward Dejan Drazic from FC Goa. International signings Lee Erwin and Alex Saji, the latter on a three-year deal from Sporting Club Delhi, complete the incoming group.

Departures and managerial change at Mohun Bagan SG

This influx follows a clear-out of established players and a change in the dugout. Sergio Lobera has departed as head coach, with Panagiotis Dilmperis appointed as his successor. The list of players leaving the club is substantial, featuring key figures from recent seasons.

East Bengal FC's corresponding moves

The reigning ISL champions have also been active, appointing Antonio Lopez Habas as head coach after Oscar Bruzon's exit. Their transfer business involved both arrivals and departures, including losing Figueira to their arch-rivals. The club made several new signings to bolster their title defense.

New arrivals at East Bengal FC include Nigerian striker Nsungusi Effiong and Spanish midfielder Dani Ramirez, both from Punjab FC. They also signed forward Chris Ikonomidis, Croatian attacker Diego Živulić, defender Nacho Monsalve on a one-year deal, and midfielders Boris Singh, Danish Farooq, and Raynier Fernandes. Striker Ake Loba completes their major incoming business. Antonio Lopez Habas highlighted one key addition, stating: "The Torchbearers have made a statement signing as they have acquired the services of Nigerian striker Nsungusi Effiong from Punjab FC."

Players departing the champions include Miguel Figueira, Youssef Ezzejjari, Sayan Banerjee, Provat Lakra, and Mark Zothanpuia.

Related departures and other ISL club activity

Movement across the league was widespread. Two players leaving East Bengal found new ISL homes, with Provat Lakra joining Jamshedpur FC and Mark Zothanpuia moving to NorthEast United FC. Mumbai City FC, having sold Chhangte, were particularly busy. They extended the contracts of Vikram Partap Singh and Ahan Prakash until 2028. Their signings include Muhammed Ajsal from Kerala Blasters FC, Ashish Sibi from Dempo, and a group of internationals: Carlos Delgado, Sergio Llamas, Leandro Otormín, Wilmar Jordán Gil, and Lazar Ćirković. Mumbai's departures list is lengthy, featuring Phurba Lachenpa, Nuno Reis, Joni Kauko, Jorge Ortiz, and Pereyra Diaz among others. Nuno Reis has since joined Chennaiyin FC.

Bengaluru FC focused on strengthening their foreign contingent. They signed Spanish defender Borja Martinez on a one-year contract and forward Sandro Embalo until the end of the 2026-27 season. They also brought in 33-year-old Argentine midfielder Manuel de Iriondo from Krasava ENY, alongside Menno Koch and Mihailo Perović. The club secured contract extensions for veteran icon Sunil Chhetri and defender Harsh Palande, whose new deal runs until the end of the 2028-29 season. Mohun Bagan SG will now look to integrate their new signings under head coach Panagiotis Dilmperis as they aim to reclaim the ISL title.