January 2026 has unfolded into one of the most unusual winter transfer windows in Indian Super League history, raising serious questions about the current state and future planning of Indian football.
With the window now over halfway through, there has not been a single incoming foreign signing for ISL clubs, while an unprecedented 14 foreign players have already exited the league, moving to clubs across Asia, Oceania and Europe.
This rare imbalance has turned the January window into a period of departures only, a stark reflection of halted league football in India and the uncertainty surrounding the domestic calendar.
From Indian Super League to Indonesian Super League
The biggest beneficiary of this exodus has been Indonesia’s Liga 1, which has emerged as a preferred destination for ISL foreign professionals seeking competitive match minutes and stability.
High-profile exits to Indonesia include:
- Alaaeddine Ajaraie (On Loan) to Persija Jakarta
- Borja Herrera, Tiri and Iker Guarrotxena to Persijap Jepara
- Adrian Luna (On Loan) and Jon Toral to Persik Kediri
- Noah Sadaoui to Dewa United
The Indonesian league’s uninterrupted schedule, commercial growth, and competitive environment have made it an attractive alternative to players previously plying their trade in India.
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Departures To Lower Leagues Of Asia & Europe
Beyond Indonesia, ISL players have dispersed across multiple footballing regions, underlining the global nature of this winter movement.
Departures to other Asian Leagues include:
- Roy Krishna returned home to Bula FC in Fiji
- Connor Shields & Tiago Mendes joined PKR Svay Rieng FC in Cambodia
- Hiroshi Ibusuki completed a move to Western Sydney Wanderers FC in Australia
Departures to Europe include:
- David Timor moved to FC Intercity in Spain
- Juan Rodríguez signed for Marbella FC in Spain
- Javier Siverio is likely to join Ethnikos Achnas in Cyprus
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Meanwhile, Hamid Ahadad is likely to switch to an Arab nations club, adding to the growing list of ISL exits.
Conclusion
The absence of incoming foreign players is not coincidental. With league football in India currently on pause (delayed by months), ISL clubs are unwilling or unable to invest in short-term reinforcements without clarity on match schedules, commercial commitments, and sporting timelines.
For foreign professionals, regular game time is non-negotiable, and the January 2026 window has simply accelerated their search for competitive continuity elsewhere.
This trend highlights a deeper structural issue, where uncertainty off the pitch is directly impacting squad stability and league credibility. From an industry perspective, this window is more than a transfer anomaly, it is a warning sign.
