Arjun Jayaraj returns to Gokulam Kerala on free transfer

The midfielder recently won the Santosh Trophy title with his state team.

Former Kerala Blasters and Kerala United midfielder, Arjun Jayaraj, is returning to his former club Gokulam Kerala FC, Khel Now can confirm. The Santosh Trophy 2022-winning midfielder joins the Malabarians on a free transfer.

Arjun Jayaraj has signed a contract with Gokulam Kerala FC," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. Jayaraj captained Kerala United in the Kerala Premier League (KPL). Jayaraj would be a suitable replacement for Jithin MS, who recently left Gokulam Kerala for NorthEast United.

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About the player

Arjun, who started his career with MSP School, Malappuram, signed for Gokulam Kerala after impressing the then coach Bino George during a friendly match with Calicut University. He won the All India Championship with Calicut University having also previously been adjudged the Best player of Subroto Cup 2012 with MSP School.

In his debut season for the Malabarians, he won the Kerala Premier League title with the reserves side and eventually made his senior team debut for Gokulam Kerala in I-League 2017-18 season. His performances in the I-League caught the attention of Indian Super League (ISL) clubs and so after two seasons at Gokulam, Arjun moved across to the state-based Kerala Blasters for a reported nominal transfer fee.

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However, he suffered an injury during pre-season and missed the entirety of the ISL 2019-20 season. It December 2020, he mutually left KBFC for much-needed gametime.

Jayaraj was soon roped in by Kerala United. In the next year, he captained the team to the KPL semifinals. He also played in the I-League Qualifiers 2021, but failed to advance to the second division.

Earlier this year, Jayaraj played an instrumental role in helping his state Kerala lift the 75th Santosh Trophy. He also scored a goal in the 7-3 win over Karnataka in the semis.

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Gokulam Kerala's preparations for I-League 2022-23

After a successful I-League campaign that saw them lift the 2nd division league title, Gokulam Kerala are going through a transition. The Malabarians beat Mohammedan SC on the final day to become the first team to successfully retain the I-League trophy.

They have parted ways with coach two-time title-winning coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese. Gokulam have also lost multiple domestic talents to ISL and fellow I-League clubs.

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