ISL Extension Sheet: Punjab FC, Sporting Club Delhi & Chennaiyin FC secure key Indian players on new deals

Nikhil Prabhu, among several Indian footballers rewarded with a fresh contract ahead of the 2026-27 season.

With the transfer market gathering pace, Indian Super League (ISL) clubs are not only chasing new signings but also moving quickly to secure the futures of players already in their squads.

Following last week’s agreement between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and ISL clubs over the league’s future commercial structure, clubs have stepped up their planning for the 2026-27 campaign. While the season is currently scheduled to begin on 4 September, it remains possible that the start could be pushed back until after the September-October FIFA international window.

After an opening phase dominated by Mohun Bagan and East Bengal’s transfer activity, attention has now shifted towards contract renewals, with several clubs tying down important Indian players.

Khel Now can exclusively reveal a series of contract extensions across Punjab FC, Sporting Club Delhi and Chennaiyin FC.

Punjab FC reward captain Nikhil Prabhu

Punjab FC have reached an agreement with captain Nikhil Prabhu over a new two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2029.

The midfielder attracted interest from multiple ISL clubs during the summer, but both player and club prioritised continuity.

Since arriving following Punjab’s promotion to the ISL in 2023, Prabhu has established himself as one of the team’s most dependable performers.

Initially signed as a centre-back, he successfully adapted into a defensive midfield role before earning his first India call-up in 2025 and later making his senior international debut against Thailand.

Although injuries restricted him to just two ISL appearances during the 2025-26 campaign, Punjab remained determined to retain their captain amid strong interest from several ISL clubs.

Sporting Club Delhi activate extension clauses

Sporting Club Delhi have exercised contract options for several members of last season’s squad as they continue building towards their second ISL campaign.

The headline extension sees winger Mohammed Aimen remain at the club until May 2028 after Sporting activated a two-year option in his contract.

Aimen impressed after arriving from Kerala Blasters midway through last season, contributing two goals and three assists in 14 appearances across all competitions.

His twin brother, Mohammed Azhar, has also had his contract extended until 2028 after establishing himself as a reliable midfield option during the second half of the campaign.

Club captain Lamgoulen Gou Hangshing (Gogou) will remain for another season after Sporting activated a one-year extension clause following his impressive debut campaign.

Goalkeeper Nora Fernandes has also had his contract extended until 2028 after finishing last season as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, striker Joseph Sunny’s contract has also been extended until the end of the 2027-28 season after contributing five goal involvements in 12 appearances last season.

Chennaiyin FC continue investing in youth

Chennaiyin FC have focused on strengthening their young Indian core while also adding new faces during the transfer window.

The Marina Machans recently strengthened their squad by signing Ayush Chhetri and Brison Fernandes from FC Goa, but they have also moved quickly to retain several promising youngsters.

Maheson Tongbram Singh has signed a new two-year contract with an option for a further season after making 15 appearances across all competitions last year.

Homegrown midfielder S. Prakadeswaran has also agreed a similar deal after breaking into the first team and becoming the first Chennai-born academy graduate to represent Chennaiyin FC’s senior side.

Left-back Klusner John Manuel Pereira has also signed a fresh two-year contract after an encouraging debut campaign with the club.

NorthEast United also secure key players

NorthEast United have already announced three contract extensions.

Defender Asheer Akhtar has signed until the end of the 2026-27 season.

Goalkeeper Dipesh Chauhan has committed his future until the end of the 2028-29 season, with the club holding an option to extend the agreement until 2031.

Robin Yadav has also signed a new contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, with NorthEast United retaining an option for another year.

With clubs increasingly prioritising continuity alongside new signings, more contract extensions are expected over the coming weeks as squads continue to take shape ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season.

ISL Extension Sheet

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