Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25), Punjab FC announced the departure of 14 players from their current squad, which the club informed fans about through their social media outlets on Thursday.
The list includes five foreigners: Dimitrios Chatziisaias, Madih Talal, Luka Majcen, Juan Mera and Wilmar Jordan Gil. The other nine are Indians: Bidyashagar Singh, Sahil Tavora, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Mohammed Salah, Amarjit Singh Kiyam, Krishananda Singh, Sweden Fernandes, Daniel Lalhlimpuia, and Prasanth K.
Significantly, the Shers made their way to the ISL after clinching the I-League title in the 2022–23 season, becoming the first team to earn promotion to the ISL. Under the tutelage of Greek head coach Staikos Vergetis, Punjab FC finished the ISL 2023–24 season in eighth place with 24 points from 22 matches.
Captain Luka Majcen and Juan Mera, who have been with the club since the 2022–23 season, were notable names on the departure list. Both foreigners played pivotal roles in Punjab FC’s I-League triumph and were instrumental in their impressive debut season in the ISL.
The Slovenian forward featured in 22 games this season, scoring eight goals and providing two assists, while the Spanish attacking midfielder recorded four goal contributions (two goals and two assists) in his 17 appearances.
Dimitrios Chatziisaias, Madih Talal, and Wilmar Jordan Gil are the other three foreigners who left the club after spending a year with the team.
Among them, Madih Talal was the standout performer and arguably one of the best recruits in the league last season. The French midfielder dominated the heart of the pitch with his sheer creativity and fascinating footwork. Talal had six goals to his name and was the league’s highest assist provider with 10 assists.
Colombian forward Wilmar Jordan missed the initial few games due to injury but proved his worth in the latter half of the season. Gil scored eight goals in 15 appearances, averaging 0.53 goals per game.
Dimitrios Chatziisaias has been the leader at the back for the Shers, with his towering presence and supreme aerial abilities. The Greek defender won 80 duels, completed 103 recoveries, and made 101 clearances, maintaining 80% passing accuracy.
Mohammed Salah and Daniel Lalhlimpuia are among the Indians who were part of the club for the last two seasons and have been on the journey to Punjab FC’s promotion to the ISL.
Prasanth K, Amarjit Singh Kiyam and Krishnananda, who joined the club during the summer transfer window, also bid farewell to the team.
Prasanth K played in 11 matches this season, while Kiyam featured in 10 games, providing one assist.
Bidyashagar Singh, Sahil Tavora and Isaac Vanmalsawma are the other three players who also departed the club after completing their short stints with the Shers. Notably, these three players joined Punjab FC during the winter transfer window.
A day after bidding farewell to their coaching staff, the Shers announced the departure of this list of players. A massive squad overhaul is imminent at the club ahead of the new season.
