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Kerala Blasters FC forward Nihal Sudeesh is poised to join Punjab FC on a loan deal, as reported by the Times of India journalist Marcus Mergulhao. He is reportedly the fourth player set to join the club ahead of the 2024/25 season.
The Kochi-born winger began his career with the Kerala Blasters reserve team and also played for the Indian Navy during the 2021-22 season. Following a stellar season with the reserve team, Sudeesh was promoted to the first team by Ivan Vukomanovic during the 2022-23 season, where he made five ISL appearances and started once in the Super Cup tournament held in April.
The 23-year-old was one of several academy players utilized by Vukomanovic last season, featuring 13 appearances across all competitions while also scoring his first goal for the club against Odisha FC in the ISL.
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Limited game time and the Blasters’ depth in the wide areas may have prompted Sudeesh to consider a move to Punjab FC, who are set to revamp their squad for the upcoming season.
This move suits both parties, as Sudeesh is expected to feature regularly in Punjab FC’s setup, providing them with a winger with high potential for development.
Punjab FC will aim to compete for a place in the top six in the ISL 2023-24 season
Punjab FC’s decision to part ways with Staikos Vergitis and all six of their foreign players for the new season certainly raised many eyebrows. Despite a poor start last season, the team made an impressive comeback, nearly qualifying for the playoffs with a strong late-season run.
Earlier, the club announced Panagiotis Dilmperis as their new head coach. The 49-year-old Greek tactician brings extensive coaching experience, having managed several clubs in Greece over the past 15 years, in addition to his playing career as a goalkeeper for various Greek teams.
Reports also suggest that Punjab FC has signed Mumbai City FC midfielder Vinit Rai, Odisha FC’s Princeton Rebello, and Chennaiyin FC winger Ninthoi Meetei. These additions bring valuable ISL experience, addressing a key area of weakness from last season.
But with the increasing competition in the ISL, it will take time for Punjab’s revamped squad and new head coach to settle in. However, they will aim to finish in the top six, with further signings expected to bolster the squad.
