The Kerala Blasters are poised for a revitalized future following their acquisition by Al Fursan, a UAE-based consortium. This new ownership, coupled with the continued tenure of head coach Ashley Westwood and strategic key Indian player signings, signals a hopeful new chapter for the club and its dedicated fanbase after a challenging period

The Kerala Blasters are poised for a revitalized future following their acquisition by Al Fursan, a UAE-based consortium. This new ownership, coupled with the continued tenure of head coach Ashley Westwood and strategic key Indian player signings, signals a hopeful new chapter for the club and its dedicated fanbase after a challenging period

The Kerala Blasters are poised for a revitalized future following their acquisition by Al Fursan, a UAE-based consortium. This new ownership, coupled with the continued tenure of head coach Ashley Westwood and strategic key Indian player signings, signals a hopeful new chapter for the club and its dedicated fanbase after a challenging period

Are ‘Ache Din’ finally here for the Kerala Blasters fans? After a controversy-ridden season, which saw their loyal fans group Manjappada boycotting their matches and the team finishing eighth on the points table, the fans would be desperately hoping so.

The ISL 2025–26 faced a massive delay due to contractual disputes between the AIFF and FSDL, pushing the ISL kickoff to February 2026. This uncertainty led to the departure of Kerala Blasters' key foreign and domestic stars—including captain Adrián Luna and winger Noah Sadaoui. Spanish coach David Català started the season, but after a dismal start that left the club languishing near the bottom of the table, he was replaced by Englishman Ashley Westwood. He steadied the ship, with a strong unbeaten run in the final stretch to lift the club out of danger (29 points from 24 matches).

Post the fiasco, Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys, Aleix Mora (strength and conditioning coach) and Alex Ortiz Sánchez (goalkeeping coach), too, parted ways with the club.

The current season, which starts on October 10, has seen an encouraging start not only for the league (MG have come on board as title sponsors) but also for the Blasters. The club is set to enter a new era following its acquisition by Al Fursan, a UAE-based sports and sports-tech consortium. The group, led by Sheikh Ahmad bin Faisal Al Qasimi, announced on September 29 that it has taken over ownership from the Magnum Group. The takeover will be a phased process – Al Fursan will acquire 100 per cent ownership of the club over eight months, with the entire transition expected to conclude towards the end of the 2026-27 season.

The deal was facilitated by Birbal Sports & Entertainment, founded by Jitesh Mehta and Ronak Dalal. They will continue to assist the club with player identification and recruitment for the upcoming season. Additionally, Al Fursan has appointed Ofioh Sports as the operational partner for Kerala Blasters.

Preparations for the season, reportedly, are already underway. Westwood will continue as the head coach for the 2026-27 season, and the team will begin its pre-season preparations in Tamil Nadu.

The Blasters have already said that captain Luna will be joining the camp shortly, much to the relief of the club fans. They have also announced the signings of some key Indian players, including the experienced goalkeeper and India international Amrinder Singh.

Kerala Blasters’ official signings so far

If the signings announced by the club so far are anything to go by, there is a ray of hope for the fans. The club have gone for stability at the back in the form of India international and veteran goalkeeper Amrinder Singh. The vastly experienced 33-year-old joins Kerala Blasters from Odisha FC. He has represented clubs including Mumbai City FC, Bengaluru FC, Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC.

Blasters have opted for a mix of experience and young exciting Indian talent in other positions. Mohammad Yasir, for instance, joins the Blasters from FC Goa, adding creativity to the midfield and providing attacking options. A technically gifted player capable of operating across the wide areas, Yasir has been part of the ISL since the 2017-18 season and has played for FC Goa, FC Pune City and Hyderabad FC. He made his senior India debut in 2021.

The club has also signed attacker Ramhlunchhunga, popularly known as Chhunga Hmar. The 25-year-old joins the Blasters from SC Delhi and has signed a contract until the end of the 2027-28 season. Born in Mizoram, Ramhlunchhunga began his professional career with Aizawl FC. He later moved to Hyderabad FC, while spending the 2022-23 season on loan at Sreenidi Deccan. During his time with Sreenidi Deccan, Chhunga made 22 league appearances, contributing two goals and six assists. He subsequently returned to Hyderabad FC and made his Indian Super League debut during the 2023-24 season. With experience in both the I-League and the ISL, Chhunga adds further depth, pace and versatility to the Blasters’ attacking options.

Blasters have also signed Malayali attacker Mohammed Sanan K. from Jamshedpur FC. The 22 year old has signed a contract with the club until the end of the 2028-29 season. Having progressed through the Reliance Foundation Young Champs programme, Sanan entered senior football in 2023. He made his ISL debut during the 2023-24 season, making 20 league appearances in his first campaign. He followed that with another 24 league appearances in the 2024-25 season. Predominantly operating from the left wing, Sanan is a versatile attacker who can also feature on the opposite flank and in central attacking positions.

Another addition has been Paul Ramfangzauva, who plays as a central midfielder. Born in Mizoram, Paul made his senior debut with I-League side Aizawl, in the 2018–19 season. He joined Odisha FC in 2020, and made 20 appearances for them, scoring three goals.

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