Kerala Blasters rope in Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem for upcoming season

The teenage goalkeeper had previously trained with Kerala Blasters before moving to the UK for a trial stint. 

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters have confirmed the signing of FIFA U-17 World Cup star Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem on Saturday. The move comes after the youngster's return to India a few days ago after completing a 3-month long trial with Scottish Premier League club Motherwell FC.

Dheeraj is touted as the next biggest thing in Indian football

The youngster was offered a three-year deal by Motherwell FC who were impressed with his progress at a tender age. However, the move fell through as the Manipuri goalkeeper failed to qualify for a work permit which states that he has to have been involved in at least 75% of his country’s international games for the past two years and that the country should hold a FIFA ranking in the top 70.

On signing for the Kerala outfit, the 17-year-old said, “I am delighted to sign for Kerala Blasters. I had an opportunity to train with the club in January before travelling to the UK. I am really excited to work with David James and play in front of the best fans in the country.”

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James, a man whose immense experience will prove invaluable for Singh told Goal, “I am delighted that Dheeraj has joined us. He has shown tremendous ability and talent and will be a great addition to the squad."

"I was in touch with the goalkeeping coaches while he was training at Bournemouth FC and the stint there should give him an enormous amount of confidence," he asserted.

"I am sure Dheeraj will do extremely well for Kerala Blasters and hopefully go on to represent the senior national team soon," he added.

“We are delighted that Dheeraj Singh has joined us. He is an exciting young talent and with David James at the helm, Dheeraj is under great hands. We have a good young squad shaping up for next season and seasons ahead and Dheeraj will play an important role as we build the squad for the future.”, said Varun Tripuranei, Chief Executive Officer, Kerala Blasters.

Early signs tell us that India and Kerala have a true talent on their hands, in Dheeraj Singh. Fans of the club will hope that he is indeed a major part of what the Blasters build going forward.