Author: KBFC-Media

Kerala Blaster’s transfer business for Mikael Stahre’s side in the summer of 2024 can be tracked here:

ARRIVALS:

1. Noah Sadaoui (Forward) – 2026
   The Moroccan Marvel, Noah Sadaoui, is an exciting addition to the Blasters’ forward line this season. He has a mouth-watering tally of 29 goals and 16 assists in 54 ISL appearances. He will bring immense experience and quality to the squad, and the potential link-up with Jimenez, Luna and Peprah is as exciting as it gets!
2. Jesús Jiménez (Forward) – 2026
   Spanish forward Jesús Jiménez was one of the key signings of the window. Known for his clinical finishing and sharp movements, Jiménez is expected to spearhead Kerala Blasters’ attack, bringing both his experience and flair in the upcoming ISL season!
3. Alexandre Coeff (Defender/Midfielder) – 2025
   The Frenchman brings in experience and versatility to the squad as he can operate comfortably both in central defense and midfield. He has played at the highest levels in Europe and will look to impose his qualities in the upcoming ISL season.
4. R.Lalthanmawia (Midfielder) – 2027
   Lalthanmawia joined Kerala Blasters to inject speed, versatility and energy into the midfield. The young midfielder is known for his work ethic and technical skills, and he is expected to play a key role in the club.
5. Nora Fernandes (Goalkeeper) – 2027
   The promising and athletic goalkeeper Nora Fernandes adds depth to the Blasters’ goalkeeping unit, ensuring strong competition for the starting position and reinforcing the club’s focus on long-term development.
6. Som Kumar (Goalkeeper) – 2028
   Having gone through the youth ranks of football in Europe, Som is another signing with an eye on the future. He started majority of the matches in Durand Cup 2024, and has a steady head on his shoulder. He brings further depth to a goalkeeping unit that has progressed admirably under goalkeeping coach Slaven Progovecki.
7. Likmabam Rakesh (Defender) – 2027
   Likmabam Rakesh, the versatile left-back from Manipur made an impact with his solid performances for NEROCA FC in the I-League and Durand Cup earned him a Kerala Blasters contract until 2027, Rakesh is currently out on loan to ISL club Punjab FC to ensure valuable game time and continued development.

CONTRACT EXTENSIONS:

1. Adrian Luna (Midfielder) – 2027
   Club Captain and stalwart, Adrian Luna put pen-to-paper on a three-year contract extension until 2027. One of the most best and most consistent players in the league over the last few years, Luna has set the league alight with this creativity, passion and hardwork. His presence in the team till 2027 solidifies his place as a key figure of the KBFC family!
2. Miloš Drinčić (Defender) – 2026
   Montenegrin defender Miloš Drinčić was rewarded with a contract extension until 2026 after his impressive performances during the 2023 season. Made Vice Captain for the upcoming ISL season, Drinčic’s towering presence, composure and leadership at the back is a welcome presence in the team.
3. Sandeep Singh (Defender) – 2027
   Full-back Sandeep Singh, who has been a consistent performer for the club, has also extended his contract until 2027. His versatility and commitment to the Blasters’ defensive unit make him an invaluable member of the squad. Now into his 5th year at the Club, Sandeep is an example of hardwork, grit and leadership, especially to the younger core in the team.
4. Naocha Singh (Defender) – 2025
   Since arriving on a loan deal last season, Naocha has made an impact as a full-back, strengthening the defensive line while also adding an attacking edge. His impressive performances have made him a regular starter, securing him a contract with the Club until 2025.
5. Freddy Lallawmawma (Midfielder) – 2027
   Tough, hardworking, and reliable, Freddy offers the squad adeptness and adaptability in multiple positions in the midfield. Under new coach Mikael Stahre, Freddy has featured regularly having started in all Durand Cup 2024 matches.

PLAYERS LOANED

The Club has always been mindful of ensuring a clear and constructive player development pathway. Season after season, the younger players in the first-team and reserve squads have been offered chances on loan at other Clubs to ensure that game-time and experience. The following players have been loaned for the upcoming season:

Nihal Sudeesh – Punjab FC
Likmabam Rakesh – Punjab FC
Bikash Singh – Mohammedan SC
Mohammed Arbaz – Real Kashmir FC
Muhammad Ajsal (Forward) – Gokulam Kerala FC
Thomas Cherian (Defender)- Churchill Brothers

DEPARTURES:

1. Karanjit Singh – out of contract
2. Daisuke Sakai – out of contract
3. Marko Leskovic – out of contract
4. Dimitrios Diamantakos – out of contract
5. Fedor Černych – out of contract
6. Jeakson Singh – Transfer
7. Aritra Das – Transfer

Thiruvananthapuram, September 10, 2024: In a gesture of support for families affected by the devastating natural disaster in Wayanad, Kerala Blasters FC has launched the ‘Goal for Wayanad’ campaign and additionally donated Rs. 25 lakhs to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

Through the ‘Goal for Wayanad’ campaign, the Club plans to further contribute Rs 1 lakh for every goal scored in the upcoming Indian Super League Season 11 to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), as part of the club’s continued efforts to contribute towards disaster relief and rehabilitation. This campaign and donation are in addition to the Rs. 1.25 Crore already contributed by the co-owners of Kerala Blasters FC.

Nimmagadda Prasad, Chairman, KBFC, along with Nikhil B. Nimmagadda, Director, KBFC, and Shushen Vashishth, Chief Operating Officer, KBFC, met with the Hon. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and handed over a cheque of Rs 25 lakhs. They also presented the Chief Minister with a KBFC jersey and extended an invitation for the upcoming season.

“We at Kerala Blasters FC have always prioritised the well-being of our community and remain dedicated to supporting the state during challenging times. These initiatives aim to motivate the football community to unite for a meaningful cause,” said Nikhil B. Nimmagadda.

Previously, during the Covid-19 period, the Club donated 500,000 Hydroxychloroquine Sulphate 200mg tablets to support frontline workers and provided 10,000 N95 masks to the Government of Kerala.  The Club also set up ‘Relief Material Collection Centres’ at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor, Panampilly Nagar, and the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium to aid flood relief efforts in 2018, besides significant contributions to the CMDRF. 

Nimmagadda Prasad, Chairman, KBFC, along with Nikhil B. Nimmagadda, Director, KBFC, handing over the KBFC jersey to the Hon. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Shushen Vashishth, Chief Operating Officer, KBFC, nearby. (From left)

Nimmagadda Prasad, Chairman, KBFC, along with Nikhil B. Nimmagadda, Director, KBFC, handing over the cheque of Rs 25 lakhs to the Hon. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Shushen Vashishth, Chief Operating Officer, KBFC, nearby. (From left)

The Club can confirm that midfielder Freddy Lallawmawma has signed a contract extension until 2027, with a further option to extend.

Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, said:

“I’m very pleased to have Freddy extend his commitment with us until 2027. He is a brave and commited player – that’s what we need here at Kerala Blasters. I hope Freddy keeps improving and gives us more and more every season.”

Since joining the Club last summer, Freddy has made 14 appearances for the Club. An injury kept him out of action temporarily midway through the 23/24 season.

Freddy has featured regularly in preseason matches and Durand Cup this season, under new Head Coach Mikael Stahre, showing his adeptness at playing multiple positions in midfield.

Freddy Lallawmawma said:
“I’m honored and excited to extend my journey with Kerala Blasters until 2027. The support from the fans and the club has been incredible and I’m committed to giving my all on the pitch for the Club.”

A defensive midfielder by trade, Lallawmawma is a player full of industry, tenacity, and hardwork.

Everyone at Kerala Blasters would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Freddy on his new contract and wish him every success during his time here.

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that the following players have been loaned for the upcoming season :

Likmabam Rakesh – Punjab FC
Bikash Singh – Mohammedan SC
Thomas Cherian – Churchill Brothers
Muhammad Ajsal – Gokulam Kerala FC
Mohammed Arbaz – Real Kashmir FC

The decision was made with a focus on providing ample game time and fostering the development of each individual involved. We wish them all the best for their respective loan stints!

Kerala Blasters FC can confirm that Nihal Sudeesh will spend the 2024/25 season on loan at Punjab FC.

Nihal, who came up through the youth ranks of KBFC (barring a brief stint with the Indian Navy), made his senior team debut in the 2022/23 ISL season. The 23-year-old attacker, who has 19 appearances for the Blasters, will now join Punjab FC to further his experience.

This move was decided keeping in mind the need for necessary game-time and match experience at this stage of the talented youngster’s career. The Club will be tracking his progress closely.

Everybody at KBFC wishes Nihal all the best this season.

The Kerala Blasters FC squad has arrived in Thailand, as it kicks off preseason preparations for the 2024-25 season.

The first team have set up base in Chonburi, at the Pattana Sports Comlex, where newly appointed Head Coach Mikael Stahre and his coaching staff are expected to take charge their first training session today.

The first set of players arrived in Thailand early in the morning with more arrivals expected later in the week.

Fans will be happy to note that defender Aiban Dohling and forward Kwame Peprah will be training again with squad following the season-ending injuries they sustained last season.

Goalkeeping coach Slaven Progvecki will get a first look at newly signed goalkeepers Som Kumar and Nora Fernandes, both of whom joined in the summer. They are joined by Md. Arbaz, is now into his second pre-season with the first team. Meanwhile, Sachin Suresh is continuing his rehabilition in Kochi and is expected to join the squad later.

Other fresh faces include winger R. Lalthanmawia and star forward Noah Sadaoui, both of whom are all set to participate in their first full preseason with the Club since joining the Blasters in the summer.

Loan returnees Saheef, Ajsal and Bikash, all of whom gained valuable minutes and match experience last season, also joined the squad as they look to cement their place for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, youngsters Sreekuttan and Korou Singh have received preseason call-ups, the latter of whom is expected to join the squad later due to U-20 National Team commitments.

The rest of the travelling squad includes plenty of familiar faces, as they look to kick-start preseason preparations on the front-foot.

The full travelling squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers

Mohammed Arbaz, Nora Fernandes, Som Kumar

Defenders

Miloš Drinčić, Sandeep Singh, Hormipam Ruivah, Pritam Kotal, Prabir Das, Aiban Dohling, Muhammed Saheef, Naocha Singh

Midfileders

Mohammed Azhar, Mohammed Aimen, Jeakson Singh, Danish Farooq, Freddy Lallawmawma, Vibin Mohanan, Yoihenba Meitei

Forwards

Adrian Luna, Noah Sadaoui, iJaushua Sotirio, Kwame Peprah, Rahul KP, Bryce Miranda, Ishan Pandita, R. Lalthanmawia, Sreekuttan MS, Muhammad Ajsal, Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Saurav

The Blasters will spend 3 weeks in Thailand before travelling back to India for the 133rd Durand Cup, which is set to commence on July 26.