Jeakson Singh holds the record as the most expensive Indian footballer in ISL history, with East Bengal paying ₹3.3 Crore to sign him from Kerala Blasters. His move followed an intense bidding war among top clubs.
Close behind, Anirudh Thapa and Akash Mishra each commanded ₹3 Crore, joining Mohun Bagan SG and Mumbai City FC, respectively. Both players were highly sought after for their talent and consistency.
In this article, we look at the most expensive Indian footballers in ISL history, their transfer fees, the clubs that signed them, and more.
Top 10 Most Expensive Indian Footballers in ISL History
Here is a look at the ten biggest transfer fees ever paid for Indian players in the ISL.
| Rank | Player | Transfer Fee | Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeakson Singh | ₹3.3 Crore | East Bengal |
| 2 | Anirudh Thapa | ₹3.0 Crore | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 3 | Akash Mishra | ₹3.0 Crore | Mumbai City FC |
| 4 | Anwar Ali | ₹2.5 Crore | East Bengal |
| 5 | Mehtab Singh | ₹2.5 Crore | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 6 | Apuia Ralte | ₹2.0 Crore | Mumbai City FC |
| 7 | Abhishek Singh | ₹1.8 Crore | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 8 | Apuia Ralte* | ₹1.6 Crore | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 9 | Asish Rai | ₹1.5 Crore | Mohun Bagan SG |
| 10 | Jay Gupta | ₹1.5 Crore | East Bengal |
1. Jeakson Singh – ₹3.3 Crore (East Bengal)
Jeakson Singh became the most expensive Indian footballer in ISL history in 2024 when East Bengal paid ₹3.3 Crore to bring him from Kerala Blasters to Kolkata.
The defensive midfielder is known for his physicality, work rate, and commanding presence on the field. His ability to control games and break up opposition attacks makes him a vital asset.
Jeakson first gained national attention as the first Indian to score in a FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. Over six seasons with Kerala, he established himself as a reliable midfield pillar, earning this record-breaking move.
2. Anirudh Thapa – ₹3.0 Crore (Mohun Bagan SG)
In 2023, Anirudh Thapa moved to Mohun Bagan SG for around ₹3 Crore, making him one of the most expensive Indian footballers in ISL history.
The central midfielder is known for his composure, vision, and impressive passing range. He can dictate the tempo of a game and create key opportunities, making him a crucial asset in the middle of the park.
Thapa spent seven seasons at Chennaiyin FC, making over 100 appearances. His transfer to the Mariners signaled their ambition to dominate Indian football, with Thapa expected to lead the team’s midfield with skill and experience.
3. Akash Mishra – ₹3.0 Crore (Mumbai City FC)
Akash Mishra joined Mumbai City FC for approximately ₹3 Crore, including a player swap, making him one of the priciest Indian transfers in ISL history.
The left-back from Uttar Pradesh is known for his pace, defensive discipline, and ability to support attacks down the flank. His composure under pressure and tactical awareness make him a key player in both defense and transition play.
After a breakout stint at Hyderabad FC, Mishra was signed by the City Football Group-owned club as a long-term investment. Mumbai City FC expects him to solidify the defense and grow into a future team leader.
4. Anwar Ali – ₹2.5 Crore (East Bengal)
Anwar Ali joined East Bengal for ₹2.5 Crore, making him one of the most expensive Indian defenders in ISL history.
The centre-back is highly regarded for his ability to play out from the back, aerial dominance, and composure under pressure. His tactical awareness and leadership make him a commanding presence in defence.
Having previously played for Mohun Bagan before moving from Delhi FC, Ali’s transfer was one of the most talked-about deals of the window. East Bengal expects him to anchor the defence and add stability at the back.
5. Mehtab Singh – ₹2.5 Crore (Mohun Bagan SG)
Mehtab Singh joined Mohun Bagan SG for ₹2.5 Crore, making him one of the most expensive Indian centre-backs in ISL history.
The defender is known for his aggressive tackling, intelligent positioning, and ability to read the game. His consistency and composure under pressure make him a key figure in any backline.
A regular for the national team, Mehtab brings experience and leadership to Mohun Bagan SG. The club expects him to strengthen their defence, break up opposition attacks, and contribute to their pursuit of trophies this season.
6. Apuia Ralte – ₹2.0 Crore (Mumbai City FC)
Lalengmawia “Apuia” Ralte joined Mumbai City FC for ₹2 Crore from NorthEast United, setting a record for a young Indian midfielder at the time.
Ralte is known for his ability to control the tempo of the game, quick decision-making, and navigating tight spaces. His vision and passing range make him the engine of any midfield he occupies.
Mumbai City FC signed him as a long-term playmaker, expecting him to dictate play, link defence to attack, and become a central figure in the team’s pursuit of success in the ISL.
7. Abhishek Singh – ₹1.8 Crore (Mohun Bagan SG)
Abhishek Singh moved to Mohun Bagan SG for ₹1.8 Crore, making him one of the more expensive Indian signings in recent ISL history.
The versatile midfielder is known for his directness, pace, and ability to drive play forward. His energy and creativity allow him to influence both attack and defence, providing balance across the pitch.
Mohun Bagan SG signed Singh to strengthen squad depth and inject creativity in transitions. The club expects him to be an important contributor in key moments while developing into a long-term asset for the team.
8. Asish Rai – ₹1.5 Crore (Mohun Bagan SG)
Asish Rai joined Mohun Bagan SG for approximately ₹1.5 Crore, making him one of the most notable expensive Indian signings in ISL history.
The attacking full-back is recognized for his overlapping runs, pace, and ability to support the offense while maintaining defensive stability. His combination of skill and work rate makes him a key contributor on both ends of the pitch.
After a championship-winning stint with Hyderabad FC, Rai was brought in to strengthen Mohun Bagan’s defence and add attacking options from the flanks. The club expects him to be a reliable presence in crucial matches.
9. Jay Gupta – ₹1.5 Crore (East Bengal)
Jay Gupta joined East Bengal for ₹1.5 Crore from FC Goa, making him one of the most notable expensive Indian transfers in ISL history.
The dynamic left-back is known for his powerful long-range shots, overlapping runs, and ability to contribute effectively to attacks while maintaining defensive duties. His pace and physicality make him a constant threat down the flank.
East Bengal signed Gupta to strengthen their defence and enhance attacking options from the back. The club expects him to provide width, creativity, and goal-scoring potential from the left-back position.
10. Vishal Kaith- 80 Lakh
Vishal Kaith joined FC Pune City for ₹80 Lakh, making him one of the most notable expensive Indian goalkeepers in ISL history.
Kaith, a reliable shot-stopper, is known for his reflexes, command of the box, and composure under pressure. His ability to organize the defence and make crucial saves has made him a key figure for any team he represents.
Pune City signed him to strengthen their goalkeeping department. The club expected Kaith to provide stability between the posts, inspire confidence in the backline, and contribute to their push for better results in the Indian Super League.
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Conclusion: Jeakson Singh Is The Most Expensive Indian footballer in ISL history
The ISL has evolved from a time when Indian players were often overshadowed by foreign signings. Today, Jeakson Singh, Anirudh Thapa, and Akash Mishra top the list with fees of ₹3.3 Crore and ₹3 Crore, proving that Indian talent can command elite valuations.
Clubs like Mohun Bagan SG and East Bengal have led the way, investing heavily in domestic players. As the league grows in quality and commercial strength, these records are likely to change in the coming seasons.
