Kerala Blasters release six overseas players ahead of new season

The ISL outfit is looking for a major overhaul of their squad ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters announced that they are bidding farewell to the six foreign players from their squad. The players in question are Bakary Kone, Costa Nhamoinesu, Vicente Gomez, Facundo Pereyra, Gary Hooper and Jordan Murray.

The outfit will likely sign a new bunch of foreign players in a bid to improve on their performance in the last season. The appointment of new coach Ivan Vukomanovic, who succeeds Kibu Vicuna, is another step the club took in order to change their fortunes.

The Yellow Army finished at the 10th place during the 2020/21 season and most of their foreign players did not live up to expectations. Here is brief look at the outgoing foreigners from the southerners' ranks.

Bakary Kone

Bakary Kone was a highly anticipated move before the start of the previous season. The defender had the experience of playing in the French Ligue 1 with Olympique Lyonnais. The defender was impressive in a few instances but could not inspire the team from stopping opposition attackers. Kone played 14 times for the club, making 29 tackles, 19 interceptions, 38 clearances and 16 blocks. 

Costa Nhamoinesu

The defender was one of the two center-backs Kerala Blasters brought in to solidify things at the back. The former Sparta Prague player featured 16 times for the ISL outfit, scoring two goals. He also picked up three yellow and a red card.  

Vicente Gomez

Vicente Gomez was brought in to be the orchestrator in the midfield. The box-to-box midfielder was usually a reliable figure in midfield. The former Deportivo La Coruna player appeared 19 times for the outfit, scoring only two goals and registering one assist. 

Facundo Pereyra

Facundo Pereyra had a forgettable season for Kerala Blasters. The attacker featured 12 times but could not score a goal and provided only three assists. Furthermore, he only took 11 shots during that time. Expectedly, the southerners have decided against extending his contract.

Gary Hooper

Gary Hooper was one of the most highly anticipated transfers in the league before the start of the 2020/21 season. The Kerala Blasters fans had high expectations from the former Premier League player. The forward had a season of a few ups and more downs. Hooper scored only five goals and provided four assists during his time in the ISL.

Jordan Murray 

Jordan Murray was a relatively positive move in hindsight. The fans of the club would be particularly disappointed by not seeing the striker continue for the team. The striker scored seven goals in 19 games, emerging as the club’s top-scorer.

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