KOCHI: Kerala Blasters FC on Monday announced its third foreign signing of the season by bringing in Ukrainian midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. The young midfielder joins Kerala Blasters FC on loan from Ukrainian club FK Oleksandriya.
With the Ukrainian league getting suspended, Kaliuzhnyi had a brief loan stint at Iceland top division side Keflavik IF before switching over to the Blasters.
The 24-year-old midfielder started his youth career with Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv. He then joined Ukrainian giants Dynamo Kyiv and represented them in the UEFA Youth League. His senior career started with a loan stint at Metalist 1925 Kharkiv.
Following consistent performances in the first division of Ukraine, he was transferred to FK Oleksandriya last year. He continued his good form with the club, contributing four assists and two goals in 23 appearances.
“This quality player will be a good reinforcement for our team. I hope Ivan will adapt quickly and showcase all the qualities we know he possesses to excel here,” Karolis Skinkys, Blasters’ sporting director, said.
“I am excited to join the biggest club in India and very much looking forward to my new challenge. I am beyond excited to meet the famous yellow army and give my all for them and the club,” said Ivan.
Kaliuzhnyi joins striker Apostolos Giannou and defender Victor Mongil as Blasters’ third foreign recruit this season.
