Kerala Blasters FC sign French defender Alexandre Coeff

Kerala Blasters FC have officially announced the signing of French defender Alexandre Coeff on a one-year deal. The 32-year-old's recent stint was with the French second-division outfit SM Caen whom he joined in July last year.

He is an immensely experienced campaigner having played for several European clubs including RC Lens, Udinese Calcio, RCD Mallorca, Granada CF, and AJ Auxerre over the years. Last season, Alexandre Coeff featured in 20 matches for SM Caen in the French Ligue 2 in which he registered three assists.

A new beginning under a new boss for Kerala Blasters FC

Having already acquired the services of Moroccan winger Noah Sadaoui for two years, Kerala Blasters FC have made Alexandre Coeff their second overseas signing ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 season. Apart from Noah and Coeff, the three-time ISL runners-up have also roped in a few talented domestic players, thereby strengthening their squad further.

The Men in Yellow, though, have witnessed the departure of several big names heading into the new season. Dimitrios Diamantakos - the Golden Boot winner of 2023-24 ISL, Jeakson Singh, Nishu Kumar, Marko Leskovic, and experienced custodian Karanjit Singh have left the club.

Meanwhile, welcoming the latest addition, Kerala Blasters FC sporting director Karolis Skinkys not only heaped praise on the player but also stated that the management is expecting leadership qualities from the Frenchman. Karolis said in a statement:

"Alexandre will bring us much-needed experience and quality, and he will reinforce different positions in our team. Additionally, we expect leadership qualities from him."

Excited about this new opportunity, an elated Alexandre Coeff thanked the club and its passionate fans for the warm welcome. He also revealed that it was one of a kind which he has rarely experienced in his career. Coeff said:

"Hello to the entire Yellow Army, thank you for this warm welcome, I have rarely experienced this in my career, I can’t wait to vibrate with you on the ground, see you soon."

Kerala Blasters FC, under their newly appointed head coach Mikael Stahre, will begin the new season with the 2024 Durand Cup Group C fixture against Mumbai City FC at the Kishore Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Thursday, August 1. The group also comprises Punjab FC and CISF Protectors FT.