Indian Football & ISL Transfer News
ISL: Ex-Real Madrid winger joins Kerala Blasters FC
Kerala Blasters FC completes the signing of Francisco Abalo
Kerala Blasters FC have completed the signing of the 27-year-old Argentine forward Francisco Abalo, as the club continues its desperate measures to reinforce its squad to fill the voids in the final third and keep themselves away from the relegation trap.
Francisco joins the Blasters on a short-term deal, which keeps him in the club till the end of the current Indian Super League (ISL) season.
The forward has already reached Kochi and has linked up with the team, as the squad prepares for its southern derby clash against Bengaluru FC on the 11th.
A product of the Real Madrid youth setup
Born in Mar del Plata, Argentina, the forward arrives with experience across multiple European leagues, having developed through the youth systems of Real Madrid and Rayo Vallecano. Francisco began his development in Spain and was part of the youth setup at Real Madrid, where he featured for Real Madrid Castilla.
During his time in Madrid, he gained experience in a highly competitive environment, contributing regularly in Segunda División B and showcasing his attacking quality. He later went on to build his senior career in Spain with clubs including Rayo Vallecano, CF Fuenlabrada, SD Eibar and FC Cartagena, featuring across LaLiga SmartBank and other competitive divisions. His most recent stint came with Karmiotissa FC in Cyprus, where he played till July 2025.
Over the course of his career, he has made 177 appearances, where he managed to score 16 goals and provide 19 assists, in tournaments like La Liga 2, Segunda División B, Copa del Rey, Nemzeti Bajnokság and others.
Primarily operating as a winger, the Argentine is capable of playing on both flanks and offers versatility across the attacking line. He is recognized for his close control and ability to carry the ball into advanced areas, adding a dynamic option in wide positions.
His pace and intelligent movement make him a constant threat in one-on-one situations, while his ability to cut inside and link up with teammates further strengthens the team’s attacking transitions. Comfortable in tight spaces, he can create opportunities both for himself and his teammates in the final third.
His work rate off the ball and willingness to track back also add balance, making him an effective presence in both attacking and defensive phases of play.
What does Francisco bring to the table for Kerala Blasters?
Kerala Blasters FC have only scored three goals in this Indian Super League season so far, the lowest scored by any team this season. The team has consistently struggled to knock the opponent’s doors and craft their offensive initiatives this season.
Adding to their disappointment, out of the three goals scored, only one came from open play, indicating a clear lack of creativity in the final third.
Whenever the Blasters were somehow able to infiltrate the opponent’s defensive unit, they lacked finishing. Somewhere down the line, it has felt like the Blasters squad is missing their scoring boots this season.
This is where he can directly or indirectly impact the Blasters. With a good exposure gained from the competitive European environments, Francisco could help the Blasters in creative play and potentially score a couple of goals for the club.
With the struggles in the final third being the major concern for Blasters, bagging just one point so far, the addition of the Argentine could probably help them in solving that.
With the adaptability to the Indian conditions still being a major concern, if Francisco could help the club in their remaining matches, he could potentially save the Blasters from getting relegated.
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Niranjan R Prabhu is an Economics student from Kochi with an enduring passion for Indian football, especially as a devoted Kerala Blasters FC fan — a club he considers part of his life. Beyond the game, he writes on culture, Indian economic development, and sustainability, always eager to explore ideas in depth. His days are a balancing act between college, writing, and travel.