Kerala Blasters FC have announced the signing of 18-year-old winger Nongdamba Naorem from Hero I-League side Minerva Punjab FC. The player will join the team from January 1, 2019.

Naorem was an integral part of the India U-17 squad for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2017. The youngster, known for his excellent dribbling abilities, spent last season on loan with All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Development side Indian Arrows and became a social media sensation after scoring a wonder goal against Shillong Lajong FC in a Hero I-League match.

“We are happy to welcome Nongdamba to our club. He is an extremely talented youngster and his addition will add a lot of energy to the squad,” said Kerala Blasters CEO Varun Tripuraneni.

Kerala have endured a difficult start to their Hero Indian Super League (Hero ISL) 2018-19 campaign and currently occupy the eighth spot in the table with nine points from 12 matches.