Punjab FC Unveils 27-Member Squad for ISL 2026-27 Season

Entering their fourth ISL campaign, Punjab FC has focused on a strategic mix of continuity and new reinforcements. Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis, in his inaugural season with the club, has assembled a squad designed to compete at the highest level while maintaining the club's philosophy of player development.

The squad features fourteen returning players from last season's ISL roster. Notable names retained include national team players Bijoy Varghese, Ricky Shabong, Muhammed Uvais, Nikhil Prabhu, and Muhammad Suhail F, alongside Arshdeep Singh, Khaiminthang Lhungdim, and Leon Augustine.

To bolster the ranks, the club has introduced new domestic signings Mohammad Inam and Gurkirat Singh. The foreign contingent includes Patrick Bahanack, Mickaël Malsa, Diego Raposo, Alfred Planas Moya, and Raphaël Messi Bouli.

Academy Graduates Take Center Stage

In a significant boost to the club's youth development program, the squad includes ten academy graduates—three more than the previous season. These players earned their spots through standout performances in age-group leagues and the recent IFA Shield, where Punjab FC reached the semifinals.

The academy talents joining the senior ranks include:

• Defenders: Ngarin Shaiza, Sohel Khan, and Karish Soram
• Midfielders: Bishu Sharma and Laishlam Rishikanta Meitei
• Forwards: Konsam Sanathoi Singh
• Goalkeeper: Ayush Deshwal

Tactical Depth and Coaching Staff

Head Coach Pavlos Dermitzakis expressed immense confidence in the squad's readiness. "This is a squad built with a clear idea of how we want to play, and I am very happy with the balance we have," Dermitzakis stated. "We have experience in every department, players who know this club and the league, and ten young players from our academy who have earned their place through their work every single day."

The coaching staff supporting Dermitzakis includes Assistant Coach Georgios Angelidis and Indian Assistant Coach Sankarlal Chakraborty. The technical team is further strengthened by Christos Vorgiatzidis as Strength and Conditioning Coach and Vinay Singh as Goalkeeping Coach.

Squad Breakdown by Department

Goalkeepers: The department remains stable with Arshdeep Singh leading the group, supported by youngsters Muheet Shabir and Ayush Deshwal.

Defense: The defensive unit will be anchored by Bijoy Varghese, Muhammed Uvais, Suresh Meitei, and Khaiminthang Lhungdim, alongside new signing Patrick Bahanack. The depth is provided by the academy graduates Shaiza, Khan, and Soram.

Midfield: A dynamic blend of creativity and energy, the midfield features Mickaël Malsa and Manglenthang Kipgen as key orchestrators, supported by the stability of Nikhil Prabhu, Ricky Shabong, and Mohammad Inam. The youthful energy of Bishu Sharma and Rishikanta Meitei will also be vital.

Forwards: The attacking line offers significant variety. Raphaël Messi Bouli, who impressed in the IFA Shield with three goals and three assists, leads the charge alongside Diego Raposo and Alfred Planas Moya. The squad also features the explosive pace of Muhammad Suhail and the versatility of Leon Augustine.