Indian Super League (ISL) outfit Kerala Blasters FC announced the signing of R. Lalthanmawia through its social media outlets. The winger has penned a 3-year contract with the Blasters that will run until the 2026–27 season.

Lalthanmawia switches from I-League side Aizawl FC, where the 22-year-old displayed his ability to drive the game at pace, great skill on the ball, and a consistent ability to build attacks.

Born in Mizoram, Lalthanmawia began his development as a professional footballer with Aizawl FC’s U-14 team. Progressing through the club’s developmental system, Lalthanmawia advanced through Aizawl’s youth teams, eventually breaking into Aizawl FC’s first team in the 2022–23 I-League season. He had an immediate impact, playing 20 I-League games and contributing with three goals and five assists.

Since then, he has gone on to represent Aizawl FC in competitions like the I-League and the Super Cup, becoming a vital member of the team. He added another two goals and three assists in the 2023–24 I-League season, taking his total tally for Aizawl FC to five goals and eight assists in 42 appearances.

Karolis Skinkys said:

“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.”

Lalthanmawia said:

“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.”

Lalthanmawia becomes Kerala Blasters FC’s third domestic signing of the summer, after Som Kumar and Likmabam Rakesh.

Chennaiyin FC announce Ninthoi Meetei’s departure

Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC have bid farewell to 22-year-old Indian winger Ninthoi Meetei, who leaves the club after spending three seasons with the Marina Machans.

Meetei joined Chennaiyin FC in the 2021–22 season and has featured in 55 games for the Marina Machans across all competitions since then. The winger netted three goals during his three-year stint, with two of them coming last year under the guidance of Owen Coyle.

Known for his agile movements and rapid speed down the flanks, the Manipur-born footballer clocked 980 minutes in the ISL 2023–24 season. He averaged 12 passes per game, maintaining a 73% passing accuracy.

Apuia set to leave Mumbai City FC

Indian Super League (ISL) club Mumbai City FC announced that Indian international Lalengmawia Ralte, popularly known as Apuia, is all set to leave the club after spending three seasons with the Islanders.

The 23-year-old dynamic midfielder played a pivotal role in Mumbai City FC’s Cup victory against Mohun Bagan SG in the ISL 2023–24 season and was named the ‘Player of the Match’ in the final for his dominant performance at the heart of the pitch.

Since joining the Islanders from NorthEast United FC in the 2021–22 season, the central midfielder has played a total of 59 games and notched four goals in the league. Apuia was an integral part of Des Buckingham’s Shield-winning squad in the 2022–23 season, where he formed a worthy partnership with Ahmed Jahouh and Greg Stewart.

Overall, the midfielder featured in 81 matches for the Islanders, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

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2023-2024