Kerala Blasters set to sign Lara Sharma on loan from Bengaluru FC

Lara Sharma was the second-choice keeper at Bengaluru FC.

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming football season, Kerala Blasters FC have successfully agreed for a one-year loan deal for the talented 24-year-old goalkeeper, Lara Sharma, from Bengaluru FC. This move presents an excellent opportunity for the young shot-stopper to gain valuable playing time and showcase his skills on a bigger stage.

Khel Now was informed by a reliable source, "Kerala Blasters are set to sign Lara Sharma on a one-year loan deal from Bengaluru FC. Lara wants game-time and is expected to receive the same at Kerala. His medicals will take place today."

Early Career and Youth Development

Lara Sharma's football journey began at the prestigious Tata Football Academy, where he honed his skills and laid the foundation for a promising career. From 2015 to 2017, he underwent extensive training at the academy, receiving guidance from top coaches and learning the intricacies of the game.

After his stint with Tata Football Academy, Lara Sharma joined Indian Arrows in 2017. Playing for the development side of All India Football Federation (AIFF) in the I-League, he gained valuable experience and exposure to competitive football at a young age.

In 2018, the goalkeeper made a move to ATK Reserves. During his time with the reserves team, he showcased immense potential, featuring in almost 10 appearances. The exposure he gained by being part of the ATK Reserves setup further fueled his determination to excel in the sport.

In 2020, Bengaluru FC recognized Lara Sharma's talent and potential, securing him for their squad. The move to a top club like Bengaluru FC was a significant milestone in his career, providing him with a platform to compete with some of the best players in the league.

Shortly after joining Bengaluru FC, the young goalkeeper signed a contract extension, committing his services to the club until 2026. This long-term contract signified the club's faith in Sharma's abilities and marked a crucial step in his professional journey.

Opportunity at Kerala Blasters

With the 2023-2024 season approaching, Kerala Blasters have made some significant moves in the transfer market. Notably, they signed Naocha Singh on a loan deal from Mumbai City FC, adding depth to their defensive third. Alongside other acquisitions like Sagolsem Bikash Singh, Prabir Das, and Pritam Kotal, the team is gearing up for an exciting season under the guidance of Ivan Vukamanovic.

The departure of Prabhsukhan Singh Gill, who secured a move to East Bengal, had left Kerala Blasters with Karanjit Singh (37 years old) and Sachin Suresh (22 years old) as their primary goalkeeping options. This presents an excellent opportunity for Lara Sharma to establish himself as a valuable asset to the team and compete for the starting spot between the posts.

As Lara Sharma prepares to embark on his loan spell with Kerala Blasters, all eyes will be on him to see how he seizes this golden opportunity to shine on the big stage and make a mark in Indian football.