Bengaluru FC Squad Changes for ISL 2026–27: Five Foreign Signings Reshape Pep Muñoz’s Plans

Bengaluru FC have undertaken a significant squad rebuild ahead of the 2026–27 Indian Super League season, bringing in five overseas players while parting ways with seven members of their previous squad. 

The recruitment drive points towards a more structured approach under head coach Pep Muñoz, with the club looking to strengthen its defensive foundation, establish greater control in midfield and add a more defined presence in attack.

The arrivals of Dutch centre-back Menno Koch, Portuguese defender Sandro Embaló, Argentine midfielder Manuel de Iriondo, Spanish attacker Borja Martínez and Montenegrin forward Mihailo Perović represent a substantial reshaping of the foreign contingent. Meanwhile, the departures of Rahul Bheke, Sirojiddin Kuziev, Braian Sánchez, Namgyal Bhutia, Halicharan Narzary, Mohammed Salah and Jaspreet Singh have created openings across several positions.

Following a fourth-place finish in the 2025–26 regular season, Bengaluru will be aiming to turn this squad reconstruction into a sustained challenge for silverware. The club's most recent ISL championship came in the 2018–19 season, leaving the upcoming campaign an important opportunity to re-establish itself among the title contenders.

Five Foreign Signings Address Key Areas

Bengaluru's recruitment covers three major areas of the pitch, with two centre-backs, a defensive midfielder and two attacking players arriving during the transfer window.

Koch is expected to provide the physical presence and aerial strength needed at the heart of the defence. Standing at 1.95 metres, the Dutch defender developed through the PSV Eindhoven academy and has experience with clubs including NAC Breda, CSKA Sofia and Sarpsborg 08. His ability to defend aerial deliveries and distribute from the back could prove valuable as Bengaluru look to improve their defensive organisation.

Alongside him, Embaló offers a left-footed option in central defence. The Portuguese defender arrives with experience of Asian football, having played in Indonesia. His left-footed distribution could improve Bengaluru's ability to build attacks from the back, while his mobility may complement Koch's physical approach.

The pairing will be central to Muñoz's plans, particularly when Bengaluru seek to maintain possession against pressing opponents. However, integrating two new central defenders into the same backline will require time, communication and consistency.

In midfield, Argentine Manuel de Iriondo is expected to occupy the defensive anchoring role. His experience across Argentine, French and Cypriot football gives Bengaluru an experienced option to protect the back four and regulate possession. His positional discipline could also allow Suresh Singh Wangjam to press higher and contribute more actively to winning the ball in advanced areas.

The attacking additions bring different qualities. Spanish winger Borja Martínez offers left-footed delivery, set-piece ability and flexibility across the left flank and attacking midfield positions. His ability to provide width or move into central areas could give Bengaluru additional options against teams defending in a compact shape.

Perović, meanwhile, is expected to operate as the central attacking reference point. The 29-year-old Montenegrin forward arrives after playing in Indonesia and is intended to provide a physical presence in the penalty area. His hold-up play could create opportunities for runners around him, including Sunil Chhetri and Ryan Williams.

Together, the five signings suggest a shift towards a more defined tactical structure rather than relying on a collection of foreign players with overlapping responsibilities.

The departure of Rahul Bheke is among the most significant changes to Bengaluru's domestic contingent. His ability to play at centre-back and right-back offered valuable flexibility, while his experience provided leadership in defence. His move to Mohun Bagan Super Giant leaves Bengaluru needing to redistribute those responsibilities among the remaining defenders.

Namgyal Bhutia's departure to Chennaiyin FC further reduces the club's established right-back options. Mohammed Salah's exit also leaves less experienced cover at left-back, increasing the importance of maintaining the fitness of Nikhil Poojary and Naorem Roshan Singh.

These changes could create opportunities for younger players, but they also raise questions about squad depth over a full home-and-away campaign. Injuries or suspensions in the full-back positions may force Bengaluru to rely on players who have had limited opportunities at senior level.

In midfield, Kuziev's departure ends his spell with Bengaluru, while Sánchez returns to Argentina following the conclusion of his loan. Their exits have helped create space for the club's new overseas recruitment, particularly de Iriondo's arrival as a more specialised defensive midfielder.

Halicharan Narzary's departure reduces the available domestic options on the left wing, while goalkeeper Jaspreet Singh's exit leaves Gurpreet Singh Sandhu supported by younger alternatives, including Sahil Poonia and Lalthuammawia Ralte.

The challenge for Bengaluru will be to ensure that the new foreign signings strengthen the first-choice team without leaving the domestic rotation exposed.

Bengaluru's five new overseas signings form the core of its revised foreign contingent. Ryan Williams, who represents India internationally and is registered as a domestic player, provides an additional attacking option without occupying an overseas slot.

That arrangement gives Muñoz the flexibility to deploy his five foreign recruits together, subject to the applicable ISL registration and matchday rules. It also allows the club to combine an experienced foreign spine with Indian players in important attacking and midfield roles.

The expected structure could see Koch and Embaló at centre-back, de Iriondo shielding the defence, Martínez operating from the left and Perović leading the line. Williams' direct running from the opposite flank could complement Martínez's crossing and combination play.

However, the approach is not without risks. Several of the incoming overseas players are in their thirties, making physical conditioning and recovery important considerations across a demanding season. If Bengaluru's defensive line is caught too high, opponents with pace in transition could exploit the spaces around the central defenders.

The reduced depth at full-back is another concern, particularly if the team has to manage multiple competitions or a congested fixture schedule.

Can the Rebuild Deliver a Title Challenge?

Bengaluru FC's transfer activity indicates a clear attempt to establish a stronger central spine and give Muñoz a more balanced first-choice side. Koch and Embaló are expected to improve defensive stability, and de Iriondo could bring greater midfield discipline, while Martínez and Perović add variety to the attacking structure.

The success of the rebuild will depend on how quickly the new players adapt to Indian football, how effectively the defensive and midfield units work together, and whether younger domestic players can provide reliable cover.

Bengaluru have addressed several areas through targeted recruitment, but squad depth remains a question following the exit of seven senior players. If the new arrivals settle quickly and the team manages its physical demands, the Blues could develop into a competitive force in the 2026–27 ISL season.

Ultimately, the task is not simply to replace departing players. It is to turn five overseas additions and a reshaped domestic squad into a coherent team capable of sustaining a challenge for the league title.