The ISL 2026, which is set to begin on February 14, will be quite different from the earlier seasons, primarily because of its truncated version and the exodus of a large number of foreign players amid the temporary uncertainty about the league.
Several clubs allowed their foreign stars to leave either on loan or for free while the future of the ISL 2026 was in limbo due to uncertainty over the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the AIFF and its commercial partner FSDL, owned by the Reliance Group. The move by the clubs was also driven by financial concerns.
Kerala Blasters, too, are undergoing a massive squad overhaul, having parted ways with all their frontline stars from abroad. Fan favourites such as skipper Adrian Luna and forward Noah Sadaoui moved out on loan, while others such as Koldo Obieta, Tiago Alves, Juan Rodriguez and Dusan Lagator mutually terminated their contracts for greener pastures.
Who are the Kerala Blasters’ new foreign signings?
The latest foreigner to join the Yellow Army is French winger Kévin Yoke. The 29-year-old is comfortable operating on either flank, is known for his direct running, quick changes of pace, and ability to attack defenders in one-on-one situations. Kévin is good with both feet, and is expected to bring versatility in wide areas.
Before joining Kerala Blasters, he played in the Greek Super League and Super League 2. He was part of Levadiakos FC’s campaign in the Greek Super League in the 2024–25 season. Kévin then represented PAE Chania. In his professional career, he has 84 senior appearances, contributing seven goals and 13 assists in competitive club football across leagues in Greece and France. He is the product of the Paris Saint Germain youth system.
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Kévin will be an added attacking option in the final third for the Blasters, in addition to another new signing, Marlon Roos Trujillo from Germany. A right footed attacker who is comfortable across advanced positions, Marlon is capable of operating as an attacking midfielder as well as in wider roles. He progressed through the youth ranks of 1 FSV Mainz 05 before stepping up to senior football with Mainz 05 II. He later moved to Croatia and represented HNK Vukovar 1991. Across his career so far, Marlon has made 130 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 27 assists. At the international level, Marlon has represented Germany at U-18 and U-19 level.
Indian players signed by Kerala Blasters for ISL 2026
The club recently announced the departure of twins Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar, much to the disappointment of the fans. The duo had risen through the youth ranks to make it to the senior squad, and captured the imagination of the fans and experts alike. They are likely to join Sporting Club Delhi as free agents to reunite with former youth coach Tomasz Tchórz.
Go well boys 💛#KeralaBlasters #KBFC pic.twitter.com/hAE87okHLL
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) January 24, 2026
The Blasters have stuck to their youth system, though, promoting academy graduates attacking midfielder Ebindas, defender Jaganath and forward Ajsal.
They have also signed veteran midfielder Rowllin Borges. Known for his ability to control the tempo of the game, win key duels, and contribute at both ends of the pitch, the 31-year-old will add depth to the Blasters’ midfield unit.
Rowllin will join the squad immediately and will begin preparations with the team ahead of the new campaign, along with Kévin and Marlon.
