ISL: Odisha FC's Amey Ranawade signs pre-agreement with Kerala Blasters

Amey Ranawade has made seven goal contributions in ISL for Odisha FC so far.

In a thrilling move, Odisha FC’s star defender Amay Ranawade has signed a pre-agreement with Kerala Blasters in the ongoing ISL 2024-25 winter transfer window. The former Mumbai City FC right-back is reported to have agreed to a long-term contract with the Tuskers. He had joined Odisha FC on loan from Mumbai City FC in June last year.

Starting his professional journey with DSK Shivajians, Ranawade has since played for prominent clubs like FC Goa, Mohun Bagan, and FC Bengaluru United. Over the years, he has built an impressive resume, including being part of FC Goa’s squad that secured the ISL League Winners’ Shield in the 2019-20 season. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable double with Mumbai City FC, winning both the ISL Shield and Trophy in the 2020-21 campaign.

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Ranawade made a significant impact in his first season with Odisha FC, emerging as a key figure in Sergio Lobera’s team. Featuring in 36 matches across all competitions during the 2023-24 season, he showcased his all-around abilities. His contributions included one goal, six assists, 29 interceptions, and 35 successful tackles, making him one of the standout performers in the league.

Also Read: What does Kerala Blasters need to do in January transfer window?

How does adding Amey Ranawade help Kerala Blasters?

Adding Amey Ranawade to their squad could provide Kerala Blasters with the much-needed defensive stability they have been seeking this season. Defensive weaknesses have long been a persistent issue for the team, contributing significantly to their struggles.

Poor coordination among defenders, frequent errors under pressure, and a lack of consistent partnerships at the back have left the team vulnerable. Midfielders often find themselves burdened with covering defensive lapses, while the backline operates without cohesion, leading to further exposure and instability. These challenges, coupled with the team’s inconsistency, lack of form, and heavy reliance on foreign players, have hampered their progress.

Currently, the situation has worsened, with Kerala Blasters sitting 9th in the table after 15 matches, managing only five wins, two draws, and eight losses, accumulating 14 points. This underwhelming performance led to the dismissal of Head Coach Mikael Stahre. The departure of their former coach Ivan Vukomanović in the off-season has also been a significant blow.

Swedish coach Mikael Stahre, who came in with high expectations, failed to find the rhythm needed to propel the team forward. Defensive frailties have been glaring, with the team conceding 25 goals — the second-highest in the league — and managing three clean sheets so far.

Individual mistakes have been particularly costly, with six goals conceded directly from errors, the highest in the league. Players like Sachin Suresh, Som Kumar, Pritam Kotal, and Sandeep Singh have all contributed to these defensive lapses, leaving the backline further exposed.

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