Kerala Blasters FC continued their inspired form in the summer transfer window by snapping up Delhi Dynamos defender Gianni Zuiverloon. The move, which was announced on Wednesday, is further proof of the club’s more than evident desire to return to the pinnacle of Indian football and will be of significant aid in the coming season.

The centre-back was an ever-present figure in an up-and-down Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 campaign for the Lions. He played in all but one match, greatly helping Josep Gombau instil his philosophy of playing out from the back. The 32-year-old had an impressive 80.32% passing accuracy last season, while he also chipped in with two goals and multiple blocks, which guided the Lions towards a respectable finish towards the end of the season.

He began his career in his native Netherlands, turning out for Eredivisie clubs like Feyenoord, RKC Waalwijk and Heerenveen during various times in his initial four-year stay in the country. Following that, the centre-back made the switch to England for Premier League outfit, West Bromwich Albion. He made 65 appearances for the West Midlands club, scoring four goals, before moving to Ipswich Town on loan.

That proved to be the end of his time in England as he signed for Spanish club Mallorca for the 2011-12 season. Realizing a lack of chances, Gianni returned home on loan to former employers, Heerenveen. He followed it up with a three-year association with ADO Den Haag, where he made over 50 appearances. Gianni then, again went back to Spain, representing Cultural Leonesa for a period of two years before singing for Dynamos ahead of the 2018-19 season, to kick-start his joon Indian shores.

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