Karanjit Singh extends Blasters stay; Ayush Chhikara pens new contract with Mumbai City FC
Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC have announced the extension of the contract of veteran goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for a period of one year, the club announced his extension through their social media handles on Friday.
Hero Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC have announced the extension of the contract of veteran goalkeeper Karanjit Singh for a period of one year, the club announced his extension through their social media handles on Friday. The custodian extends his stay at the club until 2024, and this extension will see Karanjit Singh continue in his role as a part of the Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeping unit.
A two-time Hero ISL champion with Chennaiyin FC, Karanjit Singh made a switch to the Blasters during the 2021-22 mid-season transfer window. The shot-stopper has accumulated 51 appearances for the two clubs and has kept 14 clean sheets and made over 120 saves across his six seasons in the Hero ISL.
ഒരു വർഷം കൂടി 👊
— Kerala Blasters FC (@KeralaBlasters) June 16, 2023
Our veteran keeper signs on till 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣4️⃣! ✍️
Read More ➡️ https:/t.co/t253m5d7yD#Karanjit2024 #KBFC #KeralaBlasters pic.twitter.com/dyb2ja4TrF
Commenting on the contract extension of Karanjit Singh, Karolis Skinkys, Sporting Director, Kerala Blasters, said:
“Karanjit has a wealth of experience that holds our entire goalkeeping squad in good stead. His work ethic and bonding with the coaches and the rest of the squad make him a team player to the core. I hope he has a good upcoming season with us.”
Karanjit Singh said:
“This will be my third season at Kerala Blasters, and the experience that I have had and the friends that I have made at the club are truly close to my heart. I hope to contribute in every way possible to the success of the team in the next season.”
One of the very few players to have a dual role in the team, Karanjit was a player-cum-goalkeeping coach in the 2018-19 season. Age 37, the custodian’s longevity and seniority will be of invaluable help to the Blasters’ squad.
Forward Ayush Chhikara signs new contract with Mumbai City FC
Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chhikara has signed a three-year contract extension, keeping him with the Islanders until May 2026.
Born in Haryana, Ayush began his footballing journey with the Reliance Foundation Young Champs before he was signed by Mumbai City FC in October 2020. After spending his first year on loan at Sudeva Delhi FC in the 2020-21 season, Ayush suffered an unfortunate injury that kept him on the sidelines for the next 12 months. The 20-year-old forward made a spirited comeback as he returned to the Islanders’ set up, debuting for the first team in the 2022 Durand Cup.
Ayush asserted himself as a player to watch out for after showing flashes of brilliance in the Islanders’ highly successful league campaign last season, winning the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) Winners’ Shield 2022-23 in record-breaking fashion.
The 20-year-old also featured in Mumbai City FC’s all-Indian squad in the 2023 Super Cup, where he shone bright, scoring the sole goal in a 1-0 win against Chennaiyin FC.
Mumbai nu tu bada jachda! 🩵👕#Ayush2026 #MumbaiCity #AamchiCity 🔵 @ImAyushChhikara pic.twitter.com/4S6M98MpTp
— Mumbai City FC (@MumbaiCityFC) June 16, 2023
Ayush Chhikara said:
“My time so far at this club has been an incredible learning opportunity for me, and I am thrilled to extend my journey with Mumbai City FC. Being a part of this team, being around such talented teammates and working with someone like Des Buckingham is a true privilege. The club has supported me unconditionally and I want to repay Mumbai City’s faith in me, scoring as many goals as I can every time I wear the badge.”
Des Buckingham said:
“Ayush has worked extremely hard over the past 12 months, making his debut and scoring his first professional goal as a result. He possesses a lot of unique and positive attributes for a young, domestic centre forward and is an exciting player with excellent potential. Ayush is another player that has trusted our club with his development for the next three years and I am looking forward to seeing where we can go together.”