Five players Kerala Blasters should target this summer

A few uncommon names are there in the list too!

Kerala Blasters had a mixed 2022-23 campaign, finishing in fifth place in the Indian Super League. The Blasters ultimately failed to reach the final and their hopes had a controversial end in the knockouts. Karolis Skinkys with his backroom staff will undoubtedly already be looking towards the summer transfer window and licking their lips in delight.

Kerala Blasters are still one of the most enticing clubs in India, and this summer should prove to be another busy one for them acquiring new talent for next season's campaign. In this article, we will take a look at some top players the Blasters should consider signing this summer.

Rahul Bheke (Mumbai City)

Kerala Blasters lack both in consistency and strength in the backline. Rahul Bheke can induce both of these things. He is well-experienced and has remained a consistent performer throughout the previous seasons.

Having played in the Indian Super League for eight seasons with a whopping 127 caps for several clubs as well as getting 20 starts internationally for India, Bheke has plenty of experience under his belt. However, one setback might be Rahul Bheke's age - 32. He only has few years left in his career.

Overall, Bheke would bring something new to Kerala Blasters. He is an experienced and tough player and can be used as a right-back or a centre-back who is epitome of what Blasters need right now. Hence, bringing him to Kochi would be a highly beneficial transfer.

Seilenthang Lotjem (Sudeva Delhi FC)

He's talented, he's fast, he's promising, and most of all, he's young. At only 19, Lotjem's move to the Blasters would be a great transfer for both the future and the present.

If Lotjem stays at Blasters for the bulk of his career, he could be the future of the club alongside Vibin Mohanan and Jeakson Singh. On the other hand, the youngster arriving at Kochi would also be a valuable player in near seasons, as his pace and vision of the pitch are at par with some top players in India.

Mohammad Yasir (Hyderabad FC)

The 20-year-old has been one of Hyderabad FC's standout performers this season and is looking likely to leave the club this summer. The Indian international is seen as a traditional winger who likes to hug the touchline, burst past defenders and put a dangerous ball into the box.

Ivan could render him surplus to requirements come the transfer window as the Kerala Blasters look to strengthen.

Jay O'Shea (Brisbane Roar FC)

Jay O'Shea seems like a perfect replacement for Ivan Kaliuzhnyi at Kerala Blasters. The 34-year-old has grown into one of the most dangerous and entertaining midfielders in the A-League over the past four years.

The Irishman is a flexible, creative midfielder who can play either out wide, behind the striker or in a deeper role in the centre of the park. But wherever he positions himself, he can take hold of the game and dominate his opponents.

O'Shea can bring in a lot of experience into the squad which will help young players shape their talent. However, a setback is O'Shea's age. At 34, O'Shea only has a few years left in his career.

Oskar Zawada (Wellington Phoenix)

Oskar Zawada would be a great choice to replace Apostolos Giannou. The 27 year old Polish Striker has 16 goal contributions from only just 23 appearances. But while his numbers are excellent, it is his maturity that is his most impressive attribute.

In conclusion, these five players could potentially add depth and boost Kerala Blasters performance in the upcoming season, and with Karolis Skinkys as their Sporting Director and their manager Ivan Vukomanović, they can work to bring in the right players to improve their squad.