Kerala Blasters set in motion major squad overhaul

Kochi: As Kerala Blasters have begun the search for a new head coach in the 11th season of the Indian Super League (ISL) to replace Serbian Ivan Vukumanovic, who guided them to the playoffs for three successive years, the club's legions of fans will be eager to see how 'Ivan's team' will go through a rebuilding phase.

While both Mumbai City FC and Mohun Bagan Super Giant, who won the ISL Cup and the League Shield respectively in the recently concluded ISL 10th edition, aim to reshape their successful teams, Blasters' think tank have already embarked on an ambitious journey to start afresh next season. Apart from investing in new players, Blasters are expected to offload many top performers from the current squad.

Harbinger of change

Historically, Blasters have been slow off the blocks in assembling the squad for a new season. However, the Yellow Brigade went on the attacking mode right at the end of the 2023-24 season, bolstering their attack with the signing of Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui, one of the standout performers for FC Goa in Season 10. With 11 goals and five assists from 23 matches to his credit, Sadaoui had garnered a lot of attention from ISL fans with his creativity, skills, and pace. The 30-year-old Sadaoui will be joining Blasters on a two-year deal. 

Defensive options

Blasters will also be keen on fortifying their defence, a department that lacked depth in the previous season. They are all set to sign defender Naocha Singh on a permanent deal after agreeing terms with the player who was on loan from Mumbai City. The club is also interested in acquiring the services of Mumbai City's defensive midfielder Vinit Rai.  

Reportedly, Blasters have zeroed in on Australian centre-back Tom Alred as a replacement for Croatian Marko Leskovic, who spent a considerable period of time on the sidelines with a muscle injury. 

Will Diamantakos and Luna stay? 

So far, the Blasters management has remained tightlipped on the retention of striker Dimitrios Diamantakos and Uruguayan playmaker Adrian Luna. The contract with Diamantakos, who won the Golden Bolden boot award with 13 goals, expires this month. It will not be easy for Blasters to retain the Greek goal poacher as several ISL clubs have already shown interest in him. 

Although Luna's current contract will enable him to don the yellow jersey for one more season, a decision on retaining him will be made after consulting with the new coach. It is learnt that a number of ISL sides are reportedly chasing Luna, one of the most valuable players of the league, with huge offers. 

The impressive rise of local talents including Jeakson Singh, Mohammed Aimen, K P Rahul, and Saurav Mandal in the yellow shirt have also put them on the radar of rival clubs.