Kerala Blasters have signed young Indian goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem bringing much cheer to the sporting arena of the Northeast.
Singh was one of the standout performers for India in the FIFA U-17 World Cup tournament.
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In the first-ever FIFA competition held in India, Manipur born goalkeeper Dheeraj won hearts of fans from around the country with some stunning performances.
Although India failed to make it out of the group stages, the tournament was a success for Dheeraj on a personal level.
Scottish club Motherwell was having negotiations to sign Dheeraj, but were unable to do so due to some complications. It is learnt that a transfer overseas could not materialize due to work permit issues.
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But Kerala Blasters had the last laugh and signed goalkeeper Dheeraj for the 2018/19 season in a one-year deal.
Kerala Blasters announced the signing of Dheeraj via their official Twitter page.
The post read: One of the brightest talents in @IndianFootball, scouted by top clubs all round the world, the young hot-shot-stopper, Indian U17’s brilliant young goal keeper Dheeraj Singh signs for Kerala Blasters!#KeralaBlasters #NammudeSwantham
However, insiders have revealed that Paul Rachubka was Kerala Blasters’ first choice throughout the 2017-18 season.
But Kerala seems to have found a good alternative in Dheeraj.
Although a little young and a bit inexperienced, he has what critics feel are sheer grit and commitment to the game.
In an interview to Goal.com, Dheeraj was quoted as saying that he was ‘delighted to sign for Kerala Blasters’.
“I had an opportunity to train with the club in January before travelling to the UK. I am really excited to work with David James and play in front of the best fans in the country,” Dheeraj was quoted as saying to Goal.com in an interview after his signing.
Earlier, Dheeraj had quit Indian Arrows, the All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) developmental squad in the I-League, after the end of his contract on December 31, 2017 to pursue his dreams of playing for a European club.
He was training with the Kerala Blasters in the meantime.