ISL Transfer Deadline Day Wrap: Danish Farooq joins the Blasters, Givson moves to Chennaiyin as Hardik Bhatt was snapped up by leader Mumbai City FC

The January transfer window deadline day saw a lot of action among the Indian Super League clubs as they also wanted to make some last minute amends to their roster. Some of the bigger deals saw Kerala Blasters rope in Bengaluru FC midfielder Danish Farooq, whereas Givson Singh has left the Blasters to join Chennaiyin FC on a loan deal.

Danish Farooq has left Bengaluru FC to don the Kerala Blasters yellow for an undisclosed fee and has signed a multi year deal that will keep him at the club till 2026. The combative midfielder who hails from the Valley started his career at J&K Bank Football Academy and represented most age groups before moving to Lonestar Kashmir. After featuring a season with Lonestar, he moved out to join Real Kashmir back in 2016 and there he featured in the Second Division I-League. He took his initial steps slowly for the Snow Leopards but then he became the top scorer and top assist provider simultaneously in the 2017-18 season as he helped Real Kashmir to reach the I-League for the first time in their club’s history.

Farooq was an absolute sensation in the I-League as well as he gradually became a midfielder from an attacker and Bengaluru FC was quick to identify his talent as he joined the Blues after spending five years with the Snow Leopards. He joined Bengaluru FC in a two year deal and since then he has made 27 appearances and scored four goals in the ISL. He never looked out of sorts in the Bengaluru blue and hence he also impressed Indian coach Igor Stimac making his national team debut.

Kerala Blasters chief Karolis Skynkis spoke very highly of Danish Farooq and claimed him to be one of the top targets for the blasters. “Danish was one of the key targets from the last season when we saw him in the context of Hero ISL. He has that Playing style, passion, and quality that Kerala Blasters need. I’m happy that we were able to finalize this transfer and reinforce our team at a crucial moment this season. We signed a 3.5-year contract and this is an important move for team consistency in upcoming seasons.”

The young midfielder was also very excited to join the Blasters and experience the jam packed stadium experience in Kochi. “I am really excited to join Kerala Blasters. The atmosphere at Kochi is absolutely electric, I can’t wait to wear the famous yellow jersey and give my best for the team,” he said after putting pen to paper.

While Danish Farooq came in, the Blasters allowed Givson SIngh to move out as the Manipuri midfielder joined Chennaiyin FC on a loan deal. The youngster was a part of the Kerala Blasters team last season as they reached the finals. However he has not featured for the Blasters that much and will be hoping that he gets to play more at Chennaiyin FC.

Givson Singh is a very talented midfielder who is known for his technical ability and passing range. A product of the famed Minerva Punjab Academy who has also featured in the AIFF Elite Academy for three years before plying his trade for Indian Arrows in the I-League. He has featured for India in different age groups and was one of the top players in those teams.

He can be a vital addition for the Marina Machans especially for the remainder of this season. His technical ability and his skills to find teammates with pinpoint passes can be used to good effect by head coach Thomas Brdaric.

Lastly Mumbai City FC have also bolstered their ranks ahead of the playoffs as they snapped up talented full-back Hardik Bhatt from I-League outfit Rajasthan United. The youngster was very excited to join his hometown club and will hope to play a part and impress Des Buckingham with his work on the field.

Started his career at ARA FC before moving to Bengaluru United in 2019 and proved his menacing presence as he has good pace and also a knack of scoring goals. He was very good for Rajasthan United in the Durand Cup 2022 and helped the club reach the knockouts. I tis mostly here that most teams noticed the fullback but Buckingham decided to make a move and has signed him up on loan, which is pretty risk free as it allows the player to prove his worth and the coach can also analyze the things that he needs in a player.