Kerala Blasters sign Dusan Lagator from Debrecen VSC for Rs 80 Lacs

The Montenegrin international is likely to replace Alexandre Coeff.

Kerala Blasters have signed Montenegrin defensive midfielder Dusan Lagator from Debrecen VSC for approximately Rs. 80 lakh transfer fee. The 30-year-old has penned a multi-year deal with the club until May 2026 and is expected to replace Alexandre Coeff, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

After parting ways with head coach Mikael Stahre and his staff last month, the Blasters still do not have a full-time head coach. In the interim, T. G. Purushothaman and Tomasz Tchórz have taken charge of the first team. Under their guidance, Kerala Blasters have won three matches and lost just one in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season. They sit eighth in the table, just three points away from a playoff position.

Before the season began, Kerala Blasters sold defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh to East Bengal for Rs 3.2 crore. Despite searching for a replacement—particularly targeting Punjab FC’s Nikhil Prabhu late in the window—they ultimately went into the season without a proper defensive midfielder. Many fans and pundits believe this was a key factor behind the team’s underwhelming campaign.

Having recognized the need, the Blasters’ management moved quickly in the January transfer window.

“Kerala Blasters evaluated various candidates and decided Dusan Lagator could immediately strengthen the midfield. Rather than waiting to sign him for free in the summer, the club opted to pay around Rs 80 lakh now,” a source tracking the transfer told Khel Now

Dusan Lagator’s career in brief

Lagator began his professional career in 2011 with FK Mogren in Montenegro. Over the years, he has made 301 appearances, more than 100 of them in a defensive midfield role. In the 2024-25 season, he featured 18 times for Debrecen VSC across league and cup competitions.

“I’m excited to join a club like Kerala Blasters FC because of the vision and project that was shared with me. I look forward to contributing to the team’s success and experiencing the unique football culture here in Kerala,” said Dušan Lagator.

By bringing in Lagator, Kerala Blasters hope to strengthen their midfield, potentially allowing captain Adrian Luna greater freedom in attack. Lagator has got the visa and is on his way to Kochi and begin training with his new team mates.

“Dušan is a player with considerable experience, and his ability to control the midfield will add great value to our team. We are excited to see him in action and wish him the best,” commented Karolis Skynkis, Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters FC.

The club have already secured his visa, and the player will join his new teammates soon.

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