Exclusive: I-League debutants Real Kashmir sign goalkeeper Bilal Khan

The experienced shot-stopper joins the top flight debutants from ISL outfit FC Pune City.

Newly-promoted I-League side Real Kashmir, coached by former Rangers' legend David Robertson, have signed Bilal Khan, on a loan deal, ahead of the next I-League campaign, Khel Now can confirm.

Khan will join the Kashmir-based I-League outfit from Indian Super League side FC Pune City, where he was a part of their reserve squad. Last season, Khan played for Gokulam Kerala in the I-League and was solid between the sticks.

He made 13 appearances for the Southern outfit in the top flight and pulled off some good saves for them. Nevertheless, he missed the chance to play for The Malabarians in the Super Cup as he suffered from an injury.

After the season, Khan, who had also attracted interest from a few other I-League clubs as well, went back to Pune City, played and impressed for the Pune-based outfit in the AWES Cup. He made 2 appearances for Pune City in the AWES Cup and also featured in 5 friendlies for them.

READ MORE:

• ISL 2018-19 Team Profile: FC Pune City

• Seasons In The Snow: How Real Kashmir are changing the face of football in the valley?

• How ambitious East Bengal and Gokulam Kerala are helping usher in a new era for I-League.

Real Kashmir have also recruited gaffer Robertson's son Mason, who joined the Indian side from Peterhead FC. With teams like Quess East Bengal and Mohun Bagan spending big ahead of the season, there is no doubt that the Leopards of Heaven will have to face tougher competition this season.

Nevertheless, with the inclusion of the former Gokulam Kerala custodian, Real Kashmir have signalled their intentions to leave no stones unturned in their maiden top-flight campaign. For Khan, Joining the Snow Leopards will help him take his game to another level and continue his rapid progress. He is expected to join the Real Kashmir squad soon after Pune City FC's jersey launch. David Robertson's side will come to Mumbai on tomorrow [21-09-2018] to play a few games.