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Kerala Blasters have signed 22-year-old winger R Lalthanmawia from Aizawl FC . Lalthanmawia, who rose to significance due to his heroics at the I-League outfit, garnered attraction from the Kerala Blasters scouts and, as a result, the club has now bagged his signature on a three-year deal.
The Mizo winger spent his entire career at Aizawl FC before joining the Blasters. During his younger days, he joined the club's U-14 side. This marked the start of his professional journey. He went on to play for the I-League side till 2023-24 and, in the process, secured five goals and eight assists across 42 appearances.
After signing for Kerala Blasters, R Lalthanmawia said in a statement:
"I am very happy to be a part of a big club like Kerala Blasters FC. It is a massive opportunity for me, and I am grateful to the club's management for showing faith in my ability. I will make sure to put in all my effort to contribute to the team's success in every way possible over the upcoming season."
Karolis Skinkys, who is the Sporting Director of Kerala Blasters, said on the inclusion of the 22-year-old:
"Lalthanmawia is a young player who brings with him a great deal of talent and opens up more attacking options for the squad. He still has a lot of areas to improve but we saw potential in him and believe that he can do it."
Kerala Blasters' preparations for the upcoming season
Kerala Blasters have already roped in their new head coach Mikael Stahre, who replaces Ivan Vukomanovic at the helm. Under his tutelage, the Yellow Army will aim to produce stellar performances in the Indian Super League, just as they did in the Vukomanovic era.
Notably, Lalthanmawia is the club's third domestic signing this season. Prior to his acquisition, the Blasters roped in goalkeeper Som Kumar from Slovenia and defender Likmabam Rakesh. The management has also extended the contract of their most dependable foreigner Adrian Luna.
