Category: Player Announcements

The club would like to announce that it has signed goalkeeper Lara Sharma on a one-year loan deal from Bengaluru FC.

The 24-year-old is a polished product of Tata Football Academy. He has packs of experience having gone through the footballing ranks of Indian Arrows, ATK (reserves), and Bengaluru FC.

A Durand Cup winner, Lara had also represented the national team U18 side.

Commenting on the loan deal, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said:

“Lara is someone who we’ve followed for a long time. For now, we got an opportunity to see him closely for one season and also add depth to our goalkeeping department. I hope this upcoming season plays a substantial part in the growth of Lara Sharma as a player and that his time with us is mutually beneficial to both him and the club.”

A visibly ecstatic Lara Sharma said:
“The opportunity to play at KBFC is so special. The fans, the atmosphere, and the energy around the Club is so positive and I can’t wait to be a part of it all. I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and contributing to the club in every way possible.”

We would like to welcome Lara Sharma into the Blasters family and wish him a very productive season ahead. He has already linked up with his new teammates in Kochi, as preparations for the upcoming Durand Cup are underway.

The Club can confirm that it has reached an agreement with Mohun Bagan Super Giant for the transfer of Pritam Kotal. The deal will see Sahal Abdul Samad go the other way, bringing an end to his 6 year journey with the Club. The Club will also receive an undisclosed transfer fee.

The former title-winning MBSG captain joins the Blasters having put pen to paper on a three-year contract until 2026.

Kotal’s football journey began with the youth team of Chirag United, where an impressive stint opened doors to the India U-19 side. In 2011, Pritam joined the All India Football Federation’s developmental I-League side, Indian Arrows. He made 26 appearances for Arrows before earning a move to Mohun Bagan, in 2013, where he quickly established himself as a first-team regular.

Pritam marked his ISL debut in 2014 with FC Pune City, from Mohun Bagan. He would spend two years there. In a standout 2015, he won the I-League title with Mohun Bagan and also won the I-League’s Best Defender for the year 2015. The trophy collection continued as he picked his maiden ISL trophy with ATK in 2016.

The defender made a permanent switch to ATK in 2018, kickstarting a journey that saw him transform as a player and leader for both Club and Country. Since 2018, Pritam made over 125 appearances for the Club, becoming a vital cog in the team’s defense. Under his leadership and captaincy, the team would go on to lift two more Hero ISL trophies in 2020 and 2023.

Pritam has been just as consistent with Indian National Football Team. Since his debut in 2015, he has been a mainstay in defense and has featured regularly for the Blue Tigers. been a vital cog in the team’s plans. He has made over 50 appearances for the Blue Tigers and has lifted numerous trophies like the SAFF Championship, Intercontinental Cup, and Tri Nations Cup with the national team.

Equally apt playing at center back or right back, Kotal is known as a hard-as-nails defender. His strong tackling capabilities combined with an unwavering level of commitment and steel in his approach toward football have made him a true stalwart of Indian Football. An inspiring figure both on and off the pitch, Pritam has led by example for both Club and Country over the years.

Commenting on the successful signing of Pritam Kotal and Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said:

“Pritam is a player with a tremendous work ethic and winning mentality. It is very rare to see players like Pritam who, despite having enjoyed the kind of success that he has enjoyed over the years, still want to reinvent themselves, get better, and maintain their standard of play. He brings a wealth of experience and leadership to our squad. There is no doubt that he is one of the finest players in Indian football. I am elated to have Pritam in our squad and expect nothing but great things from him this upcoming season.”

An elated Pritam Kotal said,

“I am delighted to join Kerala Blasters and embark on this new chapter of my career. The club’s rich history and passionate fanbase make it an exciting opportunity for me. I am eager to contribute my skills and leadership to the team and work towards achieving our collective goals. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by Kerala Blasters, and I promise to give my absolute best on the field. Together with my new teammates, I am confident that we will create memorable moments and bring success to the club. I am eagerly looking forward to wearing the Kerala Blasters jersey and making our fans proud. Let’s go, Blasters!”

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Pritam Kotal as he embraces this new journey with Kerala Blasters. Pritam becomes the fourth signing by the Club this summer, following the arrivals of Jaushua Sotirio, Prabir Das, & Naocha Singh. He is expected to link up with the squad in Kochi where preseason preparations have already begun.

The Club is pleased to announce that versatile Indian full-back Huidrom Naocha Singh has completed his move to Kerala Blasters for the upcoming season, on loan from Mumbai City FC.

Huidrom Naocha Singh, who hails from Manipur, started his career with the NEROCA FC youth set-up. He made his senior debut with TRAU FC before returning back to NEROCA in 2018. Following impressive seasons in title-winning I-League and Durand Cup campaigns between 2019 and 2020, the 23-year-old defender joined Mumbai City FC ahead of the Hero ISL 2021-2022 season.

The Manipuri defender then spent half of the 2021-2022 season on loan with SC East Bengal. Prior to joining the Blasters, Naocha went on loan to Roundglass Punjab. He played all 15 games without missing a minute en route to another title-winning campaign and displayed impressive performances on both sides of the defense.

Comfortable on both feet, Naocha is capable of playing anywhere across the defense. He is known for his pace, strength, & tackling ability, qualities that make him a formidable option as a lung-bustling fullback.

Commenting on the signing of Huidrom Naocha Singh, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said:
“Naocha is someone who we see adding a different set of qualities to our defense. Still only 23, he comes with title-winning experience. We believe he is yet to reach his limits and the coaching staff is excited to work closely with Naocha to unlock his full potential. I expect him to gel very well into our plans for this season and wish him all the best for the same.”

Huidrom Naocha Singh said:
“I am so happy to join Kerala Blasters. They have always backed young players and with Coach Ivan, I hope to find new levels of performance that can contribute to the success of the team. The style of play at Kerala Blasters is something that appeals to me, and I hope to fit into that style and contribute my all to the success of the club. I cannot wait to start the upcoming season.”

Naocha becomes the second full-back signing of the summer following the arrival of Prabir Das, who was announced earlier this window. The Club wishes Naocha the very best for his future with Kerala Blasters. He will link up with the squad in Kochi where preseason preparations have already begun.

Kerala Blasters Football can confirm they have reached an agreement for the signing of winger Sagolem Bikash Singh. The 22-year-old joins KBFC on a two year deal until 2025, with an option to extend.

The Club can also confirm that Bikash will spend the next season on loan at Mohammedan Sporting Club in a move that is expected to help accelerate Bikash’s growth as a player.

Commenting on the contract signing of Sagolem Bikash Singh, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said:

“Bikash is a very exciting prospect who needs regular playing time. At this point we want to give him the time and backdrop that help him develop further as a player. We wish his stint at Mohammedan Sporting Club would help him further his progress and be an option for Kerala Blasters in near future”

Sagolem Bikash Singh said:
“Being on the radar of a Club like Kerala Blasters is very heartening for me. While I am delighted to sign with this great Club, currently, my focus is on the tenure at Mohammedan Sporting Club. I hope to learn as much as possible during my time there and comeback with that experience under my belt. I want to thank the Club for trusting me and ensuring that my progress continues in the best way possible”

The talented winger from Manipur, who spent the last season with TRAU FC in the Hero I-league, recorded 3 goals in 22 appearances. Offering tremendous flair, versatility, and the ability to fit anywhere across the attack, the addition of Sagolsem Bikash Singh will further boost an already growing core of young players at the Club.

Bikash will gain further experience in the Hero I-League continuing his progress in a new environment, while being closely monitored and supported by Blasters staff.

Everybody at the Club would like to wish Bikash the best of luck this term as we follow his progress with Mohemaddan SC.

The Club is pleased to announce that experienced Indian right-back Prabir Das has completed his move to Kerala Blasters. He joins the Club on a three-year deal until 2026.

Prabir Das, 29, who hails from West Bengal, is a journeyman Indian footballer. A product of the Pailan Arrows Youth Academy, Das had a breakthrough season with the Arrows in 2012-2013 following which, he moved to Dempo and then went on loan to FC Goa and erstwhile Delhi Dynamos in the inaugural editions of the Indian Super League. The right full-back then spent 7 years in Kolkata with ATK and ATK Mohan Bagan. Prior to his move to KBFC, Prabir was with Bengaluru FC.

The full-back brings tremendous experience and a title-winning mentality to the Club. Throughout his career, Prabir has lifted multiple titles across various national competitions including the Hero ISL (2016 & 2019-20), Hero I-League (2014-15), Federation Cup (2015–16), and Durand Cup (2022). He has also represented the National Team at all age levels.

Known for his lung-busting runs up and down the pitch, his tenacity, and his determination, Das is a player that brings a maximum commitment to his role both on and off the field.

Commenting on the signing of Prabir Das, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said:

“Prabir Das comes into the squad with a wealth of title-winning experience. We expect his presence as a senior player to have a positive impact on the younger members of the squad, both on and off the field.

He has played with and against some of the best footballers in India across various tournaments and that knowledge combined with his skills should prove beneficial to the team. I wish Prabir all the very best, for the upcoming season.”

An excited Prabir Das said :

“The management communicated a very exciting vision for the brand of football that they want to play and how I fit into it. I am eager to play a big part in bringing success to the club & I am grateful to the owners and management for showing faith in me. I cannot wait to get started and be on the right side of the Yellow Sea at Kaloor going forward! ”

The club would like to take this moment to congratulate Prabir Das on joining the KBFC family and wish him all the very best for the upcoming season.

Prabir becomes the second signing of the summer, following the transfer of Australian forward Jaushua Sotirio who was announced by the club last week. The Club has also made numerous extensions to the core of the team as they look to build on the back-to-back playoffs in the upcoming season.

Kerala Blasters have reached an agreement with A-League Club Newcastle Jets to sign versatile attacker Jaushua Sotirio for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Sotirio has penned a two-year deal that will see him don the yellow and blue until 2025.

The Sydney-born attacker joins the club after plying his trade in the Australian First Division for many years representing clubs like Western Sydney Wanderers FC, Wellington Phoenix FC, and Newcastle Jets through his career.

A center-forward by position, Sotirio displays tremendous versatility, discipline, and mentality to lead the attack from anywhere across the front three.

Sotirio, a former AFC Champions League winner in 2013/14, has also made a combined 13 appearances for the Young Socceroos and Olyroos, including a winner against Indonesia in the AFC U-19 Championship.

Commenting on the signing of Jaushua Sotirio; Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said :

” Jaushua Sotirio is an exciting addition to the KBFC squad, his profile and playing style gels very well into the brand of football we play as a club.
We are confident that, Jaushua with his experience and skills would add more options to our plans in the upcoming season, I wish him the best of time with us at Kerala Blasters and hope he will show his best version in ISL.”

Jaushua Sotirio said :

” A call-up from Kerala Blasters with the kind of role they had envisioned for me left me with very few doubts and gave me clarity about taking up this challenge of entering into a different league set-up.
I understand that Kerala Blasters FC has one of the most vibrant fanbases and football cultures across Asian football. I see it as a great honor to be able to represent them and rest assured, I will be giving it my all for the club. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates, coaches, and passionate fans. ”

Following the extensions of newly promoted academy graduates over the last few weeks, Jaushua becomes the Club’s first signing of the summer.

The club would like to extend a warm welcome to Jaushua Sotirio who will be joining his teammates and staff in Kochi during the preseason.