ISL: Kerala Blasters FC rope in Ishan Pandita on a two-year deal

Kerala Blasters FC have roped in the services of forward Ishan Pandita on a two-year contract, the club announced on Thursday. According to the new deal, the 25-year-old youngster will stay at the club till the end of 2025-26 season.

The 25-year-old from New Delhi didn’t have a great season for Jamshedpur FC in ISL 2022-23 season and he will be looking to turn the tables while playing for the Yellow Army. He could only score two goals for the club in 17 appearances in what turned out to be a forgettable season for the Red Miners.

Pandita moved to Spain in 2014 at the age of 16 years and represented youth teams La Liga Clubs UD Almeria and CD Leganes.

The striker impressed in ISL 2020 season, scoring four goals in 11 ISL appearances while playing for FC Goa.

Pandita has played more than 50 matches and scored 10 goals across various tournaments like the Hero ISL, Hero Super Cup, and AFC Champions League.

After his impressive performances, Pandita earned a call-up to the Indian national team in 2021 but could not play the Hero Tri-nation due to injury.

After the signing, Karolis Skinkys, Kerala Blasters Sporting Director, said: “Ishan is someone who we believe has the ability to impact the game with his presence and physicality and change the course of any contest. The timing now is correct as we aim to compete for titles and for this, we need players with mentality and hunger like Ishan’s. He has to continue working hard and success will follow. I wish him the best of luck on the signing.”

Ishan Pandita said: “Delighted to become a part of one of the most passionate and beloved clubs in the whole of India. I am very pleased that the think tank at KBFC showed trust in my skill and ability as a player. It was a very long transfer window for me personally but I’m sure I made the right decision. I can’t wait to don the iconic yellow jersey and give it my all to the fans and the club.”