Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters rope in former La Liga striker Alvaro Vazquez

Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters have roped in former La Liga striker Alvaro Vazquez. The 30-year-old Spaniard joins the Blasters in a year-long deal from Segunda Division outfit Sporting Gijon.

Vazquez raised an interest in several ISL outfits but the Kerala Blasters triumphed in their race to sign the talented marksman. The 30-year-old started his career at RCD Espanyol’s youth team and gradually learned the ropes and made his senior team debut in 2010 when he made his La Liga debut with Espanyol.

After a couple of decent seasons for Espanyol in the La Liga, Vazquez jumped ship in 2012 to join Getafe. After an average season with Getafe, he was loaned out to Premier League outfit, Swansea City. The youngster failed to acclimatise to the English conditions and returned to Getafe after failing to find the target even once.

Vazquez had two solid seasons with Getafe in the La Liga before he joined Espanyol for a second stint in 2016. However, he failed to replicate his performances for the Periquitos as he was loaned out to Segunda clubs like Gimnastic and then Real Zaragoza. He scored 10 goals in the Segunda Division for Real Zaragoza in the 2018-19 season.

He then joined Sporting Gijon in 2019 and has also spent a loan stint at CE Sabadell. He has struggled for goals off late and hence it will be interesting to see how this new challenge of coming to Indian shores turn up for the experienced Spanish forward.

‘I’m happy that a high-level player as Alvaro is joining us. We are excited about him being a part of our family and hope that along with his quality, he will also bring high energy, leadership and fulfill his potential here.’ said Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters FC.

‘This is a new stage of my career and I am looking forward to embracing the football and culture of India something which I have heard a lot about. I will do my best both on and off the field for the team,” said the former Espanyol striker.

Vazquez will look to develop a partnership with Argentine forward Jorge Pereyra Diaz. The responsibility of scoring goals in the upcoming season will be vested in these two foreign forwards. Adrian Luna will also be a very important commodity for the Blasters as he will look to pull the strings from midfield and facilitate the players upfront. Meanwhile, Enes Sipovic who has joined from Chennaiyin FC has prior ISL experience and will hope to utilise that while building a strong defensive foundation.