Former Luca SC winger Abdul Rabeeh joins Hyderabad FC as a development player

Indian Super League outfit Hyderabad FC have a knack for trusting young Indian players and that trend has followed in their transfer dealings as well. The Nizams continue to strengthen their roster by roping in promising young winger Abdul Rabeeh AK which the club announced on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old winger who hails from Malappuram becomes the second acquisition for the Nizams for the upcoming ISL season. They have also snapped up FC Goa Development team forward Aaren D’Silva. Rabeeh started his journey in the sport with MSP Higher Secondary School in Malappuram in 2013. There he learned the ropes and grew as a player. The Malappuram based winger has also featured in the AIFF Youth Leagues at the U16 and U18 age levels. He impressed at several youth levels and was always highly rated among scouts in Kerala.

Rabeeh plied his trade for Kerala Premier League outfit Luca SC. The 20-year-old winger was a standout performer for Luca in their 2020-21 Kerala Premier League campaign. KPL was a big stage for Rabeeh and it was his performances in the league that convinced the Hyderabad FC scouts to immediately roped him into their team.

Rabeeh is delighted with the opportunity that he has received to join the Nizams. He also feels that Hyderabad FC are a team that trusts their young players and recently some of their top performers have also represented India. Hence he is eager to join the club.

“Hyderabad FC is currently a club where most young footballers would love to play. The opportunity they are offering to youngsters like me, is something I cannot let go. Their major contribution to the national team gives all young players belief, and I cannot wait to be a part of the club and show my quality.”

The 20-year-old is an exciting winger who can also slot in as an attacking fullback joins the Nizams as a Development player. However, Rabeeh’s aims remain to break into the first team of Hyderabad FC. The Hyderabad FC reserve team head coach Shameel Chembakath was content with the sign and feels that the youngster will add value and versatility to the team.

“I have seen a lot of youngsters with potential come and go. But Rabeeh is one player that has always stood out. He has the ability to control the tempo of the game even against tougher opponents. Also, he has potential in terms of speed, acceleration and skill, and puts in a lot of hard work every day,” said Shameel who played a big role in tracking him and eventually signing him.