Born in Kukës, Albania, Ismail is a product of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy, which he joined at the age of 10. The midfielder signed his first professional contract in 2010, and made his senior debut on 25 September 2012 as a substitute versus Chelsea in the League Cup.

In November 2012 he joined League One side Milton Keynes Dons on loan until 2 January 2013. Here, he made his league debut on 24 November 2012 as a substitute in a 5–1 win over Colchester. Upon the end of his initial loan period he was immediately re-loaned for the remainder of the campaign.

he was loaned to League Two club Burton Albion in January 2014 in a one-month loan deal. He scored his first senior goal on 8 February 2014 to earn a 1–0 victory at Morecambe. His loan stay was subsequently extended until the end of the season, allowing Ismail to play in the League Two Play-off Final for the Brewers.

In July 2014, Ismail signed a six-month loan deal with League One Notts County and in 2015, it was announced that Ismail would return to former club Burton Albion on loan until January. This spell was however hampered by an ankle injury. Having recovered, he joined Oxford United on loan in February 2016.

In June 2016 he signed for Bury before joining fellow League One club Walsall on loan in August 2017. In June 2019 it was announced that he would sign for Bradford City on 1 July 2019, after signing a one-year contract with the club.

On 12 May 2021 he was one of nine players that Bradford City announced would leave the club on 30 June 2021 when their contracts expire. He subsequently joined National League North club Hereford before signing for Newtown on 2022.