ISL: Kerala Blasters sign goalkeeper Nora Fernandes
Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters have roped in 25-year-old goalkeeper Nora Fernandes from I-League side Aizawl FC. The management announced the arrival of the goalkeeper on Thursday, June 27.
Nora arrives on a three-year deal, which will keep him at the club till 2027. Last season, Fernandes played 17 matches in the I-League and kept five clean-sheets in the process.
Kerala Blasters have Sachin Suresh, who got injured last season, as their first-choice goalkeeper. Apart from him, the club had brought in Lara Sharma last season on loan from Bengaluru FC but utilised the experience of Karanjit Singh in the absence of Suresh.
This time out, to ensure solidity and reliability under the sticks, the club decided to bring in Nora Fernandes, who was being considered as one of the best goalkeepers in I-League 2023-24 by Indian football fans.
After signing for Kerala Blasters, Nora Fernandes said in a statement:
"I'm proud and excited to join a club like Kerala Blasters FC. I'm really looking forward to my first ISL season and I'm determined to give my best and perform to the highest of my abilities."
Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys commented:
"Nora's inclusion is based on his consistent performances, natural ability, and commanding physique in front of the goal. We had a task to reinforce the goalkeeper position and we see potential in Nora to give us depth in this position."
Kerala Blasters' preparations for the upcoming season
Kerala Blasters have brought in Mikael Stahre to replace Ivan Vukomanovic at the helm. Among the foreign contingent, the club has extended the stay of fan favourite and club captain Adrian Luna. Moreover, the club has been reportedly linked with former FC Goa winger forward Noah Sadaoui.
Among the Indian players, the management has added young talents like R Lalthanmawia, Likmabam Rakesh and Som Kumar. Kerala Blasters are expected to announce their foreign signings in the upcoming days itself and start their training camp in Thailand on July 3.