In our last week transfer round-up, we had talked about Hyderabad FC’s young squad scattering away to the other ISL teams. This week, we see Kerala Blasters have made extensions of some players. Moreover, Punjab is also trying to make their team stronger by adding skilled player. Let’s have a look at all the transfers going on.
1) Kerala Blasters scores a haul
Four emerging young native talents, Muhammad Saheef (20), Mohammed Azhar (20), Mohammed Aiman (20) and Nihal Sudeesh (21) have had their contracts extended by Kerala Blasters FC till 2026.
After spending time in the Kerala Blasters development system honing their skills and getting game time against the best players in their age bracket from all over the country in various development tournaments, these four players, however each with their own unique set of expertise, will be manning different halves of the pitch.
Despite being identical twins, Mohammed Aiman and Mohammed Azhar play very differently on the pitch. Aiman, a left winger, is known to start attacks from the wings, feeding the ball to strikers in attacking positions or even creating goal scoring opportunities on his own, whereas Azhar, a central midfielder, is more adept at moving the ball forward and creating various plays across the midfield.
Muhammed Saheef is a more recent addition to the Kerala Blasters lineup compared to Azhar and Aiman, but he has shown potential in the developmental games and has the general talent to play at the back of the formation. Even more so, he made his senior team debut at the just-completed Kozhikode Hero Super Cup 2023.
Nihal had a fantastic turn of pace, mentality, and drive to learn and grow during his first season with the senior club, making a promising 6 appearances in the ISL and Hero Super Cup. He would represent the club’s reserve team in the UK’s Next Gen Cup and Reliance Foundation Development League in 2022. He was finally given a permanent spot in the team due to his outstanding preseason performances, which led to a call-up to the senior team.
2) Amrinder Singh extends contract with Odisha FC till 2026
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has constantly delivered for the team, making 21 appearances throughout the ISL season with a save percentage of 62%, 112 catches, passing accuracy of 61%, and being the only goalie to record an assist.
Amrinder won the ‘Golden Glove’ in his first season with Mumbai City FC thanks to his exceptional goalkeeping skills. In 23 games during that campaign, Singh recorded 10 clean sheets. Amrinder has a staggering 37 clean sheets in the league overall.
With Singh on board, Odisha FC will be hoping to improve upon its current level of success and make a name for itself in the 2018 AFC Cup.
3) Tiri is all set to join Mumbai City FC
Jose Luis Espinosa Arroyo, better known by his nickname Tiri, has left ATK Mohun Bagan. With ATK FC, he captured the coveted Hero ISL trophy in 2016. Prior to the Hero ISL 2017–18 season, he transferred to Jamshedpur FC, where he excelled as a player. ATK Mohun Bagan welcomed Tiri before the 2020–21 Hero ISL season.
Mumbai City FC is excited to add veteran ISL defender Tiri, who has extensive experience in the league, to their defence.
4) Rowllin Borges joins FC Goa on loan
Rowllin Borges, who will be joining FC Goa on loan from Mumbai City FC for the upcoming season, is seen as the club’s answer to their midfield problems. The 30-year-old Borges has two ISL League Shields with Mumbai City in the last three years, but his appearances under Des Buckingham were limited the past two years due to a long-term injury. However, under Sergio Lobera, and alongside Ahmed Jahouh, he was crucial to the club’s historic double-winning campaign in 2020–21.
5) Roundglass Punjab FC have completed the signing of Samuel Kynshi Lyngdoh and Lalnuntluanga
RoundGlass Punjab FC is a newly promoted Hero ISL team. Moreover, they have completed the multi-year contracts for the midfielders Samuel Kynshi Lyngdoh and Lalnuntluanga from Real Kashmir FC. Before their first Indian Super League season, both midfielders will join the team. In the 2022–23 Hero I-League, Roundglass won, earning promotion to the elite top flight and became the first I-League team to do so.
RoundGlass Punjab FC outperformed their closest competitor Sreenidi Deccan FC, finishing the season with an amazing total of 52 points. However, RoundGlass Punjab FC is focusing on strengthening their roster as they are ready to fight in the top tier league of India, and they have made important purchases in the form of the two incredibly skilled players from Real Kashmir.
Midfielder Lyngdoh is a 23-year-old. However, his promotion to the top division marks a key turning point in his football career. He will get more exposure and opportunity to show off his talent on a bigger stage if he plays in the top division.
BONUS
Mehrajuddin Wadoo to become the head coach of Mohammedan SC
Mehrajuddin Wadoo is a former member of the Indian national team. Moreover, he is manager of Real Kashmir. However, he is reportedly in line to lead Mohammedan sports for the upcoming season.
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