Gokulam Kerala set to sign defender Muhammed Uvais

The 22-year-old was also a part of Khel Now's Kerala Premier League Team of the Season.

I-League reigning champions Gokulam Kerala are all set to complete the signing of Muhammed Uvais, Khel Now can confirm. The young defender was a part of the KSEB side that reached the final of Kerala Premier League 2020-21.

"Gokulam Kerala are close to signing Uvais. The club and the player have already agreed personal terms," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. The centre-back will join the Kozhikode outfit on a multi-year deal.

Who is Muhammed Uvais?

The Nilambur-based player began his career with Bharat FC and Sudeva Moonlight's U-18 team. Shortly afterwards, he also became the captain of the Sudeva side. In 2017, Uvais returned to Kerala and signed for then Second Division League club FC Kerala.

He made his KPL debut with FC Thrissur, before Ozone FC came calling in 2019. With Ozone, the defender played in the Bengaluru Super Division and also captained the side in a few matches. Consistent performances with them opened more doors for him, as Bengaluru United roped him in ahead of the I-League Qualifiers last year.

After the qualifiers finished, the 22-year-old returned to Kerala once again, joining KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board) as a guest footballer.

The 2020-21 edition of the KPL became yet another turning point for Uvais. The defender's consistency was one of the principal reasons behind why KSEB advanced till the final of the tournament, conceding only three goals in the group stages. He was also inducted in Khel Now's Kerala Premier League Team of the Season.

Indian football has rarely witnessed good left-footed centre-backs. Meanwhile, Uvais has been proving that he has all the attributes to become one of the of the best in the business in a few years.

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Gokulam Kerala's off-season activity

The Malabarians ended the 2020-21 season on a high, winning both the I-League and the KPL. They also qualified for AFC Cup 2022, following their I-League success.

Gokulam Kerala are currently working on strengthening their squad, in a bid to defend the I-League title and also to do well in the AFC Cup. They have already handed head coach Vincenzo Alberto Annese a contract extension and have announced the signing of former India U-19 starlet Muhammed Rafi. More signings and contract extensions are expected to follow, with a few reserve players also expected to be promoted to the senior side.

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