ISL: Kerala Blasters sign Bikash Yumnam from Chennaiyin FC

Bikash Yumnam has signed with the Kerala Blasters on a long-term contract valid until 2029
Kerala Blasters have announced that they have signed Bikash Yumnam. The centre-back joins the Kochi-based club from Indian Super League rivals Chennaiyin FC, where he played for one-and-a-half seasons.
In an official statement, Kerala Blasters confirmed the signing stating, “The club is pleased to confirm the signing of promising young defender Bikash Yumnam from Chennaiyin FC. The 21-year-old joins the Blasters on a long-term deal, which keeps him at the club until 2029.”
Interestingly, Pritam Kotal went the other way, joining Chennaiyin FC on a two-and-a-half-year deal, which will keep him with the Marina Machans until June 2027. The 31-year-old wore the famous Yellow jersey 39 times and became a fan favourite during his stint with the Blasters.
Bikash Yumnam had signed a pre-contract with Kerala Blasters!
KhelNow had revealed earlier in January that Kerala Blasters had signed a pre-contract with Bikash Yumnam. The defender was showing a lot of progress at Chennaiyin FC and became a fixture in their backline.
As per reports, It was brought to attention that, “Kerala Blasters acted quickly to wrap up this multi-year deal with Bikash Yumnam,warding off interest from other ISL sides that had their eye on the young defender.”
In football, players are allowed to talk to other clubs if their contract with their current club is under six months. This is exactly what the Kerala Blasters used for their advantage as Bikash Yumnam’s contract.
Initially expected to sign in the summer, things seem to have progressed between the clubs and hence Bikash Yumnam has immediately moved to the Kerala Blasters. The defender could even be part of the playing XI on 24th January when the Blasters face East Bengal.
Will Bikash be a good signing for the Blasters?
Based out of Manipur, Bikash Yumnam represented RG Punjab and Indian Arrows in the I-League before joining Chennaiyin FC in 2023. With the Marina Machans, the centre-back made 38 appearances and was one of the best young players in the squad.
In terms of the 2024-25 ISL season so far, Bikash Yumnam made 11 appearances for Owen Coyle’s side. Playing over 850 minutes, the 21-year-old made 10 interceptions and won 28 duels while managing to keep a clean sheet.
Kerala Blasters have parted ways with Pritam Kotal and Alexandre Coeff in the January transfer window. Hence, the main defensive job will now fall on the shoulders of Milos Drincic and Hormipam alongside Bikash.
The Yellow Brigade could be expected to play their new signing Dusan Lagator as a defensive midfielder while Bikash Yumnam and Hormipam play as centre-backs. Will the former Chennaiyin FC star become even better at Kerala Blasters? Let us know your thoughts…
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