Punjab FC sign Gurkirat Singh and Nishchal Chandan for 2026-27 ISL season

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Punjab FC sign Gurkirat Singh and Nishchal Chandan for 2026-27 ISL season

Synopsis

Punjab FC have secured two Chandigarh-born players — forward Gurkirat Singh and defender Nishchal Chandan — on two-year deals ahead of the 2026-27 ISL season. The double signing signals the club's ambition to build on its ISL promotion with a squad rooted in regional talent and top-flight experience.

Key Takeaways

Punjab FC signed forward Gurkirat Singh and defender Nishchal Chandan on 28 July , ahead of the 2026-27 ISL season.
Both players have signed two-year contracts running until 31 May 2028 .
Gurkirat Singh has senior experience across Indian Arrows , Mumbai City FC , and Chennaiyin FC , totalling 61 appearances in the I-League and ISL.
Nishchal Chandan previously represented Sudeva Delhi FC , Churchill Brothers , and Inter Kashi , captaining Sudeva in the I-League.
Both players are Chandigarh -born, reflecting Punjab FC's focus on regional identity in squad-building.

Punjab FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League (ISL) season by signing forward Gurkirat Singh and defender Nishchal Chandan on 28 July. Both players have committed to two-year contracts, tying them to the Mohali-based club until 31 May 2028.

Gurkirat Singh: Pace and Firepower Up Front

A product of the AIFF Elite Academy, Chandigarh-born Gurkirat Singh brings pace, technical ability, and goal-scoring instinct to Punjab FC's attacking third. He began his senior career with Indian Arrows in the I-League, making 18 appearances and scoring one goal between 2018 and 2021.

He then moved to Mumbai City FC (2021–2024), where he featured in the ISL and the AFC Champions League, registering one goal across 28 appearances. Most recently, Gurkirat spent the 2024–2026 seasons at Chennaiyin FC, featuring in 15 matches before making the switch to Punjab.

'I am thrilled to join Punjab FC and be part of such an ambitious project. The club has shown incredible growth and determination since its promotion to the ISL, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success. I can't wait to step out onto the pitch, give my absolute best for the fans, and help the team achieve its goals over the next two seasons,' Gurkirat said.

Nishchal Chandan: Defensive Solidity Returns to Mohali

Nishchal Chandan, another Chandigarh native, arrives as a commanding centre-back known for his aerial prowess, physical strength, and reading of the game. He began his footballing journey at Minerva Academy, where he won the U-18 I-League North Zone Championship.

Nishchal made his senior debut in the I-League second division with Punjab FC in 2020-21, before joining Sudeva Delhi FC (2021–23), where he captained the side in the I-League. He then moved to Churchill Brothers, where he made 19 appearances and scored one goal as a defensive mainstay. He featured in nine matches for Inter Kashi during the 2025-26 season before returning to Punjab FC.

'Punjab FC is a fantastic club with a great vision, and I am incredibly proud to sign this contract. The management is building something special here, and I am fully committed to giving my all for the badge. I am looking forward to working hard in pre-season, connecting with the fans, and helping the team secure clean sheets and victories,' Chandan said.

What These Signings Mean for Punjab FC

The dual recruitment reflects Punjab FC's intent to build a competitive squad capable of challenging for honours in the 2026-27 ISL campaign. Notably, both players are Chandigarh-born, underscoring the club's emphasis on regional identity alongside footballing quality. With pre-season preparations under way, further squad additions are expected as the Shers gear up for the new season.

Point of View

Which makes this a moderate-risk, high-potential bet. The real question is whether Punjab FC's coaching setup can unlock consistency from players who have largely been squad options rather than starters. If it can, the club's regional-identity strategy could become a genuine differentiator in a league where marquee foreign signings still dominate the narrative.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who has Punjab FC signed ahead of the 2026-27 ISL season?
Punjab FC have signed forward Gurkirat Singh and defender Nishchal Chandan on two-year contracts ahead of the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. Both deals run until 31 May 2028.
What is Gurkirat Singh's football background?
Gurkirat Singh is a Chandigarh-born forward and AIFF Elite Academy product who has played for Indian Arrows, Mumbai City FC, and Chennaiyin FC. He has made 61 senior appearances across the I-League and ISL, with experience in the AFC Champions League as well.
What experience does Nishchal Chandan bring to Punjab FC?
Nishchal Chandan is a centre-back who has represented Sudeva Delhi FC, Churchill Brothers, and Inter Kashi. He captained Sudeva in the I-League and made 19 appearances for Churchill Brothers, where he also scored one goal.
How long are the new contracts at Punjab FC?
Both Gurkirat Singh and Nishchal Chandan have signed two-year agreements with Punjab FC, keeping them at the club until 31 May 2028.
Why are these signings significant for Punjab FC?
The signings add attacking firepower and defensive depth to Punjab FC's squad as the club prepares for its 2026-27 ISL campaign. Both players are Chandigarh-born, reinforcing the club's regional identity as it looks to establish itself in the top flight.
Nation Press
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