Gokulam Kerala sign midfielder Akbar Khan from NEROCA FC

The 22-year-old played 11 games for Orange Brigade in the I-League last season.

Gokulam Kerala FC have signed Akbar Khan from Neroca FC for the upcoming I-League season. The 22-year-old midfielder from Manipur had an impressive I-League debut season last year, playing 11 matches and had a pass completion rate of 82 Percent.

Akbar started his career at an early age and came to notice when he was selected as the best youth player in the Manipur state league. Football runs in veins also as he is the brother of former Gokulam Kerala FC winger Imran Khan, who is now playing for NorthEast FC united.

He later went on to play for Sagolband FC and then to NEROCA. In the I-League, Akbar played as a defensive midfielder. The player is known for his all-around skills in the midfield.

“Joining Gokulam Kerala FC would be a huge step in my career. I will do my best at the club. I am waiting to join my teammates at the preseason camp in Kozhikode,” said Akbar Khan.

“Akbar impressed us during the last league. He is young but at the same time very tough. With these signings we are strengthening our squad for the I-League and the AFC,” said VC Praveen, the president of Gokulam Kerala FC.

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Gokulam Kerala's preparation for next season

The Malabarians have been active in the transfer market and have already completed the signings of defenders Muhammed Rafi, Shoaib Akhtar and Muhammed Uvais. Midfielder Krishnananda Singh have also arrived from TRAU FC on a three-year deal. The club also announced the signing of Goalkeeper Rakshit Dagar, who was part of the Sudeva Delhi Squad last season.

Right-back Deepak Singh is another new arrival at the club while coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese and midfielder Sharif Mukhammad have extended their contracts with Gokulam Kerala. Gokulam Kerala will be involved in the I-League, AFC Cup, Durand Cup and in the Kerala Premier League (KPL).

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