Midnight Announcements are back with a bang as the Al Fursan era has kicked off at the Blasters as the men in yellow announce their “No. 1” signing for the upcoming season – the veteran goalkeeper, Amrinder Singh, who has joined the club on a deal that sees him stay at the club till the end of the 2026/27 season.
The Blasters didn’t stop there. They have gone on to complete the signings of FC Goa duo Sahil Tavora and Mohammad Yasir, both of them who played a crucial role for Hyderabad FC in defeating Kerala Blasters in the 2021-22 ISL final. Both the players have signed a one-year deal with the Blasters that will keep them at the club till the end of the 2026/27 ISL season.
Let’s look at the career of all three players and what they bring to the Blasters team led by Ashley Westwood:
A trip down the lane to have a look at their careers:
Amrinder Singh:
Born in Mahilpur, Punjab, Amrinder Ranjit Singh began his career as a striker before his then-coach, Yarvinder Singh, encouraged him to be a goalkeeper after noticing the then-youngster’s build and reach. He would go on to excel as a goalkeeper and, after representing Punjab at the youth level and winning the Dr. B.C. Roy Trophy, he joined Pune FC, making over 50 senior appearances before moving to Atlético de Kolkata and Bengaluru FC on loan. At Bengaluru, he won the I-League and Best Goalkeeper award in 2015-16, later playing a key role in their historic 2016 AFC Cup final run. He also won the ISL Golden Glove with Mumbai City FC in 2016.
Amrinder joined Mumbai City permanently in 2017 and was an integral part of their historic 2020-21 ISL League Shield and Cup double. He subsequently represented ATK Mohun Bagan in the 2021/22 season before joining Odisha FC in 2022, making 90 appearances for the Juggernauts and helping the club secure consecutive playoff spots and win the 2022-23 Super Cup. Now, he begins his Kerala Blasters journey under Ashley Westwood, the coach who previously guided him to I-League success at Bengaluru FC.
Sahil Tavora:
Panaji-born Sahil Tavora, popularly known among ISL fans as Mr. 87:19, is remembered for his stunning long-range last-minute equalizer against the Blasters in the 2021-22 ISL final, which would eventually be key to denying them their maiden title. He began his youth career with Brasil Futebol Academia and Sesa Football Academy before joining Dempo and FC Goa, where he announced himself with a memorable brace against Chennaiyin FC in the iconic 5-4 encounter in 2016.
He later represented Mumbai City FC and Portuguese fourth-tier side GDSC Alvarenga before joining Hyderabad FC, making around 70 appearances and scoring the crucial equaliser in their 2021-22 title-winning final.
After a brief loan spell at Punjab FC, Tavora returned to FC Goa ahead of the 2024-25 season. Across his subsequent two-year stint, he made 44 appearances, won the Super Cup twice and gained valuable experience in continental competitions.
Mohammad Yasir:
Mohammad Yasir is a familiar face for Kerala Blasters fans, especially memorable for his sleeping celebration inside the KBFC net after having scored against the Blasters for FC Goa before the Blasters’ memorable 4-2 comeback victory. He captained Pune City’s U-19 side to the 2017 IFA Shield title before making his senior debut with FC Goa. Following Pune City’s dissolution, he joined Hyderabad FC, emerging as a key player for the Nizams and winning the 2021-22 ISL title along the way in his 91 appearances for them.
Yasir returned to FC Goa in 2024, making 46 appearances and recording six goals and six assists across all competitions. He also won the Super Cup and gained valuable experience in continental competitions. Now, he reunites with Sahil Tavora at Kerala Blasters as Ashley Westwood looks to integrate the duo into his system.
What do they bring to the Blasters?
Amrinder brings much-needed experience, shot-stopping ability and leadership to Kerala Blasters’ goalkeeping department. Known for his reflexes, bravery and vocal presence at the back, his experience in the ISL and continental competitions could prove valuable.
However, his recent performances raise some concerns, having conceded 14 goals in eight appearances for Odisha FC last season while recording a save percentage of 53.3%. At 33, he still has plenty to offer, but rediscovering his consistency will be key.
In midfield and attack, Sahil Tavora and Mohammad Yasir offer versatility and additional depth. Tavora can operate as a box-to-box midfielder but is better suited to deeper roles, potentially providing cover for Vibin in game or as a backup, and could also be used as an alternative in Freddy’s role within Ashley Westwood’s system.
His positioning and game awareness make him a useful squad option. Yasir, meanwhile, offers a different dimension on the right, with his left-footed, inverted-winger profile allowing him to cut inside, create chances and operate as a right midfielder when required.
Together, the trio offer experience, tactical flexibility and valuable squad depth. Whether deployed as starters or introduced from the bench, they could provide Kerala Blasters with greater defensive assurance, midfield control and attacking creativity, particularly in the closing stages of games.
Their ability to fulfil different roles gives Westwood more options as he looks to build a balanced and competitive squad.
Bonus featurette: Not-So-Fun-Facts
- Amrinder Singh: Amrinder has only one assist in his entire senior career spanning over 220 games and that came against KBFC in Odisha’s 2-1 victory at the Kalinga in the 2022-23 season, as he assisted Pedro Martín’s late winner against the Blasters through a long ball that cleared the Blasters’ defense line.
- Sahil Tavora: During his 70 game-stint (5 seasons) at Hyderabad FC, he has only scored once for the Nizams, that being his infamous Mr. 87:19 moment against the Blasters in the 2021-22 ISL final.
Follow Footy India on Instagram and X for more updates on Indian Football.
