Kerala Blasters sign Ivan Kaliuzhnyi on loan from FK Oleksandriya

The player has played for Ukraine U-17s and U-18s.

Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters are set to sign Ivan Kaliuzhnyi on loan from FK Oleksandriya. With the Ukrainian signing the deal, Kerala Blasters have now added the third foreigner of this season. Only 24, the central midfielder seems to be a prosperous acquisition this season.

The club however, will sign a few more players in the upcoming days.

Kerala Blasters statement*

Kerala Blasters FC have announce the signing of Ukrainian Midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. The young Midfielder joins Kerala Blasters FC on loan from FK Oleksandriya.

Commenting on the Blaster's third foreign signing of the summer Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said "I would like to congratulate Ivan for joining our club and express my big happiness that we finally were able to bring him to Kerala. This quality player will be a good reinforcement for our team. I hope Ivan will adapt quickly and showcase all the qualities we know he possesses to excel here."

"I am excited to join the biggest club in India and very much looking forward to my new challenge. I am beyond excited to meet the famous yellow army and give my all for them and the club " said an excited Ivan Kaliuzhnyi

About the player

Hailing from Ukraine, Ivan Kaliuzhnyi has featured for the country’s U-18 side. He was previously a part of FK Oleksandriya. Apart from that, he has also played for clubs like Keflavik, Dynamo Kyiv’s second team, Rukh Lviv and Metalist 1925. The 24-year-old’s footballing journey started in Metalist. Then, he went on to sign for Dynamo Kyiv, where he featured for the U-19 side. However, Kaliuzhnyi never played for the first team and was often loaned out to Metalist 1925 and Rukh Lviv.The central midfielder has played 100 matches in his career, providing four assists and six goals.  

Kerala Blasters' preparations for ISL 2022/23

The Blasters have suffered a few departures this season. Vincy Barretto and Alvaro Vazquez have left the camp to join Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa, respectively. Even Enes Sipovic has also left the club to join Al-Jahra in Kuwait. In addition to that, Jorge Pereyra Diaz who had agreed terms with Kerala Blasters didn't end up signing for the club. Amongst the arrivals, Apostolos Giannou became the first foreigner to join the club a few days back. The recent addition however, was Victor Mongil, who played for Odisha FC last season. Sahal Abdul Samad's contract had been extended a few months back. Although a few clubs showed interest for Ayush Adhikari (rumours), the player hasn't yet left the camp. Rather Adhikari will be travelling to the United Kingdom on 22nd July to play in the NextGen Cup.

*Article is updated with Kerala Blasters statement on 18th July 2022 6:13 PM