Kerala Blasters rope in Lara Sharma on loan, Petar Sliskovic joins Jamshedpur FC and NorthEast United sign talented star Thoi Singh

Indian Super League teams continue to dazzle in the transfer market as teams like Jamshedpur FC, NorthEast United and Kerala Blasters have bolstered their ranks with some useful signings.

With their guardian in goal, Prabhshukhan Singh Gill gone to join East Bengal FC, Kerala Blasters were in a spot of bother, but they have now secured themselves a talented goalkeeper in Lara Sharma. The young custodian has joined Kerala Blasters on a one-year loan deal from Bengaluru FC.

Lara is a TATA Football Academy product who has had a lot of experience at different levels. He has featured for the Indian Arrows, ATK Reserves, and also for Bengaluru FC. A Durand Cup winner with the Blues has also played for the Indian Under-18 team.

Kerala Blasters sporting director Karolis Skynkis shared that they had their eyes on Lara Sharma for some time now and they are happy to add him to their roster. Skynkis wants the custodian to grow as a player and eventually, they will take a call on his future considering his performances.

“Lara is someone who we’ve followed for a long time. For now, we got an opportunity to see him closely for one season and also add depth to our goalkeeping department. I hope this upcoming season plays a substantial part in the growth of Lara Sharma as a player and that his time with us is mutually beneficial to both him and the club,” Skynkis stated.

The 24-year-old custodian was also very happy and excited to play for Kerala Blasters. He wants to relish the love and excitement of the fans. “The opportunity to play at KBFC is so special. The fans, the atmosphere, and the energy around the Club is so positive and I can’t wait to be a part of it all. I’m looking forward to making the most of this opportunity and contributing to the club in every way possible,” Lara stated after joining the Blasters.

Meanwhile, Jamshedpur FC have signed a known face in the ISL. The Men of Steel have roped in Croatian marksman Petar Sliskovic. The Croatian forward who earlier played for Chenniayin FC has joined Jamshedpur FC on a single-year deal.
Sliskovic is coming off a great season with Chennaiyin having scored eight goals and registering seven assists in 17 appearances for Chennaiyin FC.

His strength lies in his aerial ability and hold-up play. He is someone who uses his physicality to get around defenders and his goal-scoring instincts will also add more value to Jamshedpur FC’s forwardline.

Sliskovic is a very experienced player and has featured for some top clubs including FSV Mainz where he got to work under the current Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel. He has spent most of his career in Germany and also had a short stint in Switzerland before he made his way to Chennaiyin in 2022. He impressed with his performances there and therefore has joined Jamshedpur FC for the upcoming season.

“It’s a great feeling to join Jamshedpur FC,” said Petar Sliskovic on becoming a part of the Men of Steel family.

Given his experience in the ISL, the 32-year-old knows Jamshedpur FC in and out and is excited to start his new journey on Indian shores. “This is a club that I know well because of my time in India already and having played against them last season I know what a good team this is. I’m excited to work with the Head Coach and the staff and help the team once again achieve major glory. The fans in Jamshedpur are known to be some of the loudest and most passionate and I cannot wait to finally play in front of them at the Furnace,” Sliskovic added.

Lastly, NorthEast United have signed former Reliance Foundation Young Champions winger Huidrom Thoi Singh from Bengaluru FC> The youngster was one of the brightest stars in the Reliance Foundation Young Champs side and caught the eye of Bengaluru FC in 2021. Although he continued to work on his skills and overall development, chances in the senior team were hard to come by. Thoi recently won the Golden Ball, as he was adjudged the player of the tournament in the Reliance Developmental League.

He will bring in a lot of value to this NorthEast United team with his versatility and goalscoring ability. He will also have known faces in Shighil Nambrath and Fredy Chawngthansanga who have also joined NorthEast United from Bengaluru FC this summer.