Kerala Blasters hand contract extension to star defender Marko Leskovic

Kerala Blasters continued their offseason business as they are looking to tie their main player from last season with long contracts and then proceed to buy new talents. They have again handed an extension to one of the stars from last season, Marko Leskovic.

The Croatian defender will sign a new contract that will keep him at the club till 2024. The reliable defender who was one of the stalwarts for Ivan Vukomanovic joined the Blasters last season from Dinamo Zagreb.

The centre back made his professional debut back in 2009 with the youth team of NK Osijek. He then went on to toil for two years and made his professional senior team debut in 2011. It was in 2013 when he joined HNK Rijeka and he continued plying his trade for some time before joining Dinamo Zagreb in 2016. The 31-year-old featured for NK Lokomotiva on loan from Dinamo Zagreb where he spent six months.

He joined Kerala Blasters last season to try out a different challenge and that worked out really nicely for Leskovic as he guided the team to the Indian Super League finals and only lost out against Hyderabad FC on penalties. His leadership at the back and the way he guided Ruivah Hormipan beside him was very commendable. He was one of the underrated signings from last season as fit in Vukomanovic’s style of play perfectly. Hence the long term contract to keep him in Kochi.

Leskovic has represented Croatia in various age groups starting from U-18 to U-21. He has also featured for the Croatia national team when he made his debut back in 2014 against Argentina. He has four appearances for Croatia. Therefore his immense experience makes him one of the most high profile defenders in the league.

“I’m excited to continue my stay with Kerala Blasters. We reached so far into the game last season, this season’s motive would be to win that cup under the guidance of our Head Coach.” says a delighted Marko Lešković.

“I’m happy we reached an agreement with Marko. He is one of the best players around the league and it’s great that we were able to keep consistency and extend his stay in Kerala for at least the next two years” said Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, KBFC.

Kerala Blasters are looking to hold on to their core from last season and till now apart from Alvaro Vazquez they have done a very successful job in doing so. Vazquez has switched sides and joined FC Goa.