Exclusive: Pulga takes Kizito's slot in team, No Nilmar deal for Kerala Blasters

Kerala Blasters were in talks with Nilmar, but the deal had broken down.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters recently announced the signing of Spaniard Victor Forcado Herrero also known as Pulga into the squad. Pulga, who spent two years with the Kochi based ISL outfit is a fan favourite and is well-known for his commanding approach in the middle of the park.

Pulga is a product of the CD Castellón's academy set-up, and has featured in for several Spanish sides before joining Kerala Blasters in the inaugural edition of the league. Pulga played six games for Blasters in the first season and featured in nine matches in the second season.

He joined CF Rayo Majadahonda in 2016, after leaving Blasters. Later that year, he joined Mitra Kukar FC, an Indonesian outfit. In 2017, he returned back to Majadahonda, and plied his trade there for a while. Bolivian club Nacional Potosi was his last destination before joining Kerala again, where he featured in few games.

He's got good stats in the league with an average 48.4% passes per game, and 74.93% passing accuracy. Renowned for his split-the defense-open passes, David James will be hoping for the same from the 32-year-old midfielder.  

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When the team announced the inclusion of Pulga into the squad, it was expected that they will release Ugandan sensation, Keziron Kizito from the squad. However, it is reliably understood that the team will not offload the 20-year-old midfield linchpin and Pulga has took Kizito's slot in the team temporarily.

Kizito, who've penned a 3-year contract with the team, sustained an injury to his shoulder while playing against Jamshedpur FC. The team has decided to preserve the services of this versatile, pacey youngster to employ in the near future and Pulga is assigned to command the midfield until Kizito returns.

Meanwhile, James had offered former Brazlian international Nilmar to join him at the club and the two parties were negotiating, but the deal had broken down, as Nilmar couldn't agree personal terms with the club, sources close to the developments have revealed to Khel Now.

Kerala Blasters will take high-flying Pune City FC in a do-or-die clash, one thatwill witness the return Pulga back to the ISL.