ISL - INDIAN SUPER LEAGUE

  

Indian Super League: Tendulkar’s side guns for Arsenal academy product

Peter Taylor’s side are making significant signings brimming with potential as they look to full tilt at the ISL title…

London has become the latest port of call for the Kerala-based Blasters as they look to recruit Arsenal and QPR’s youth products in Sanchez Watt and Antonio German respectively.

Kerala Blasters are in advanced talks with the aforementioned duo aged 24 and 23, Goal can reveal.

Watt was spotted by an Arsenal scout while playing for Senrab FC, the Sunday League side renowned for producing talents such as John Terry, Sol Campbell and Jermain Defoe.  He made his professional debut for Arsenal in September, 2009 against West Brom and scored in the 68th minute guaranteeing the Gunners’ progress through to the fourth round of the League Cup. 

He also had a massive impact in Arsenal’s double-winning campaign with league and FA Youth Cup victories. The winger-cum-striker scored twice in the semis before scoring once each in both legs of the final.

His last appearance was for Colchester United where he scored five goals in 25 appearances last term was released at the end of the 2014-15 season.

“I like him because he is a little bit of a street player. He makes fantastic runs, he is an aggressive striker or maybe the word is a committed striker - and he always finds resources to be dangerous and he works hard for the team,” was Arsene Wenger’s assessment of Watt.

Meanwhile, German who last played for Aldershot Town is also on the radar of Blasters. He played six games for the Conference Premier side, scoring once.

Kerala Blasters’ management remained unavailable for comment on the latest development.

Alwyn George signed by Bengaluru FC for I-League 2015-16

Bengaluru FC have signed midfielder Alwyn George on a one-year deal with the club having the option of extending it by a year, the Blues announced on Wednesday. Ashley Westwood, in his pre-season press conferenceon Monday, had mentioned about the possibility of filling in three to four slots on the team for the new season and George’s signing marks the beginning of the process.

A product of the Tata Football Academy where he spent a little more than three years, George went on to play for Pailan Arrows before spending two seasons at Dempo who were relegated from the I-League last season. He has also played for the senior and under-23 national teams.

He is the first Indian player who had my attention simply because of the potential and natural ability he put on display. Ashley Westwood

Having caught Westwood’s eye the moment the gaffer saw him train with the national team, George was always on the Blues’ radar. “We’re delighted to have Alwyn on the team. A lot more was expected of him but, for whatever the reasons be, he hasn’t been able to do justice to his potential. He’s certainly a player who we can improve and get him back to his best. I see this signing as an asset to the team,” said Westwood of his latest acquisition.

I am really excited to have signed for Bengaluru FC. No one comes close to them when it comes to running things professionally and I am glad I will get to experience that first-hand. Alwyn George

George was part of the Dempo squad over the last two seasons but struggled to get adequate playing time which even saw him lose his spot in the national team. But the talented youngster believes his stint at BFC will be the perfect springboard he needs. “The last couple of years haven’t been my best but I now want to prove that I can force my way into the starting XI of any team,” said George on completing his signing.

Named ‘best young Indian player of the season’ by the Football Players Association of India for two seasons in a row (2012-13 and 2013-14), Nagpur-born George said he was also looking forward to playing in front of the boisterous BFC fans who he had come up against while at Dempo. “I’ve been witness to the kind of support the club enjoys and I am really looking forward to playing in front of those passionate fans. I want to also repay the coaches faith in signing me and I want to play my part in helping the club become champions again.”

Ex-Tottenham player Didier Zokora signed by FC Pune City for ISL 2015?

FC Pune City franchise of Indian Super League have signed former Ivory Coast international Didier Zokora as their marquee player for the 2015 season, it has been learnt.

The team is officially going to announce the name on 30th July as per their Twitter page handle but sources have already revealed the deal on Indian Football Forum.

The 35 year old defensive midfielder has played for EPL side Tottenham Hotspur during 2006-09 and currently plays for the Turkish Premier League side Belediespor. He officially retired from international football last year after having played in 123 matches for the Ivory Coast.

FC Pune city have promised on their twitter page to reveal their marquee player on 30th of July as per the tweet below. While the information may be true about Didier being the one, we would not be surprised if it turns out to be someone else in the last moment. So tune in to Indian Football Forum for the latest update