ISL: Bikash Yumnam signs pre-contract agreement with Kerala Blasters FC

Bikash Yumnam can be a key addition for Kerala Blasters.

Kerala Blasters appear to have pulled off a significant transfer coup by securing a pre-contract deal with Chennaiyin FC defender Bikash Yumnam. The 21-year-old junior Indian international is free to negotiate moves for next season because his current contract with the Marina Machans runs out at the end of the 2024-25 ISL season.

Many ISL clubs tend to look for fresh faces during the January transfer window, either to bolster their squads immediately or to line up reinforcements for the following season. Under FIFA’s rules, any player with fewer than six months left on their contract can sign a pre-agreement elsewhere without consulting their current team—which is exactly what Kerala Blasters have reportedly taken advantage of.

Yumnam has been gradually cementing his place in Chennaiyin FC’s backline over the last couple of years, racking up 29 appearances and more than 2,000 minutes on the pitch. He’s averaged 1.2 tackles, 3 duels won, and 1.8 ball recoveries per match this season, not to mention 19 clearances and an assist in nine outings.

Beyond his club exploits, Yumnam has also represented India at various youth levels—from U-16 to U-23—and has even drawn whispers about a potential senior national team call-up.

“Kerala Blasters acted quickly to wrap up this multi-year deal with Bikash Yumnam ahead of the 2025-26 season, warding off interest from other ISL sides that had their eye on the young defender.” said a source tracking the deal to Khel Now.

This signing might allow the Blasters to deploy an all-Indian defence at times, which would then free them up to field four foreign players in more advanced positions.

Khel Now understands that Kerala Blasters are also in advanced discussions to sign a foreign defensive midfielder during the ongoing January transfer window.

If successful, these strategic additions could give the Blasters a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level as they look beyond the current ISL season.

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