Gokulam Kerala set to sign former Santhosh Trophy winner Midhun

The shot-stopper won the Santhosh Trophy with Kerala in 2018.

I-League defending champions Gokulam Kerala are all set to sign goalkeeper Midhun V, Khel Now has learnt. The 27-year-old will be brought in to replace Ubaid CK, who recently left the club and joined Sreenidhi FC.

Hailing from Kannur, Midhun is the son of former Kerala Police goalkeeper Murali V and a product of SN College, Kannur. His biggest claim to fame is winning the Santhosh Trophy in 2017-18, where his skills between the sticks came especially handy during the final. On that night, Kerala and West Bengal stayed level at 2-2 after regulation time and extra-time. Later, in the penalty shootout, Midhun saved two of West Bengal's attempts and helped his team lift the title.

[KH_ADWORDS type="4" align="center"][/KH_ADWORDS]

The goalkeeper was adjudged the 'Footballer of the Year' by Kerala Football Association in 2018. He has also been a part of the SBI Kerala Football Team, formerly referred to as SBT Football Team.

"Gokulam Kerala are close to completing the signing of Midhun. As he used to be with SBI Kerala which is a department team, the Malabarians are waiting for clearance from them, before he signs on the dotted line. If all goes per plan, he will represent GKFC in the upcoming season," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now.

Gokulam Kerala's pre-season preparations

The club had a fantastic 2020-21 season in the I-League, winning the title on the final day of the season. After a slow start, Gokulam Kerala did well, especially in Phase Two of the league. They eventually ended their successful campaign with a five-game unbeaten run.

[KH_RELATED_NEWS title="Related News |Article Continues Below"][/KH_RELATED_NEWS]

With that, the Malabarians also became the first and only Kerala-based team to-date to win a national league. However, since then, an exodus of players and staff ha affected them. Technical Director Bino George as well as players Ubaid CK and Salman Kalliyath are among those who have already left the club.

Despite this, GKFC are working on building their squad for the 2021-22 season, keeping in mind the additional responsibility of the AFC Cup. Defenders Muhammed Rafi and Muhammed Uvais have newly signed, while head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese and midfielder Sharif Mukhammad have extended their contracts.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Twitter, Instagram and join our community on Telegram.