Kerala Blasters FC sign goalkeeper Som Kumar!

10 June 2024 – Kerala Blasters FC are delighted to announce the signing of young Indian goalkeeper Som Kumar. The 19-year-old puts pen-to-paper on a 4-year contract until 2028.

Born in Bengaluru, Som Kumar began his football journey at a young age. His potential was quickly recognized, leading to stints at Boca Juniors Academy and BYFL Academy. Som’s European adventure started in 2020 with NK Bravo in Slovenia, where he showcased his talents in an underage summer tournament in Italy, most notably against Bologna U17 where he came to prominence with a dynamic performance in front the nets.

Som’s next move was a loan spell at NextGen Liga Club NK Krka, where he helped the U17 team secure a third place in the league. His consistent performances earned him spots in both NK Bravo and NK Krka’s U19 teams, eventually leading to his contract with Slovenian first-division side NK Olimpija Ljubljana, in February 2023. Kumar’s abilities and determination to succeed soon earned him a regular starting role at the club, culminating in his selection for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship squad.

Som’s young international career has been equally impressive. A former member of India’s U16 and U17 teams, he made significant contributions during the India U16 team’s tour to the UAE in 2021. He then played a crucial role in the India U20 team’s success at the 2022 SAFF U-20 Championship in Odisha, where his performance in the semi-final against the Maldives and the final against Bangladesh earned him the Best Goalkeeper award for the tournament.

In 2023, Kumar was part of the squad for the AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers in Kuwait and later contributed to India’s victorious campaign at the 2023 SAFF U-19 Championship in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said:

“”Without intention to create any pressure on him, but I can positively say that Som is one of highest potential players in his generation. I’m happy he believed in the Kerala Blasters project and decided to come back from abroad. Som has right basics of football, correct mindset and he’s very mature for his age. All these points makes me believe that he can learn every day and have a bright future in KBFC.”

Som Kumar said :

“I am excited to join Kerala Blasters and look forward to contributing to the team. This is a great opportunity for me to grow as a player and I am eager to give my best for the club and its passionate fans.”

With Som’s arrival, the club aims to build a robust goalkeeping squad capable of competing through the rigours of the entire season. We wish him all the best and hope that he contributes towards the success of the club in the upcoming season.

Som Kumar becomes the first signing of the Club this summer. The Blasters previously announced contract extensions of defender Naocha Singh and Club captain Adrian Luna.

Som, despite his young age, brings with him a wealth of experience from both domestic and international youth competitions. His signing is expected to further strengthen the team’s goalkeeping unit, which has progressed well under the guidance of Goalkeeping Coach Slaven Progovecki over the last few seasons.