Kerala Blasters FC continued their summer recruitment spree by completing a two-year deal for the former Jamshedpur FC striker, Sergio Cidoncha. The club announced the deal via their Twitter handle on Wednesday, adding to a growing list of substantial names that have already joined the Eelco Schattorie-led unit.

The 28-year-old forward joined the Miners before the start of the Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 season, making 12 appearances overall and scoring three and assisting a further three goals. He was brilliant in the early part of the season as defenders found it difficult to cope up with his combination play and penetrating runs.

An untimely knee injury in mid-November derailed his and the Miners season, ultimately resulting in Cesar Ferrando’s men narrowly missing out on the top four. The Blasters for their part will be ecstatic to have a player like him in the squad given their wretched run in front of goal last season. The acquisition of Bartholomew Ogbeche along with Cidoncha’s arrival already makes Kerala a dangerous proposition for next season.

Before arriving in India, the Spaniard played his entire career in his native Spain, taking turns to represent a host of clubs. Beginning with Atletico Madrid’s youth teams, Cidoncha slowly moved up the ranks, ending his time in the capital by making it till the Los Rojiblancos’ reserve team. He then moved to Real Zaragoza before turning out for the likes of Albacete and Ponferradina.

Upon putting pen-to-paper on the deal, the forward said, “I’m very happy to be part of the KBFC Family. I will put in my best to help the club achieve their goals for this year and I am very thankful for this opportunity. Can’t wait to start the new season.”

The Blasters head coach, Schattorie, on the other hand, said, “A very warm welcome to Sergio to the Kerala Blasters Team. He is an all-rounder who can play at several positions and score goals or provide assists. I’m very excited to have him on board and hope to have a wonderful season with him.”