Following the high-profile UAE-based Al Fursan takeover, Kerala Blasters FC are undergoing an absolute squad overhaul for the 2026-27 Indian Super League season. Journalist Marcus Mergulhao confirmed that the club is signing six foreigners in total. Five slots are locked in, and negotiations for a crucial defensive anchor are ongoing to secure the final piece. The current group balances the legendary presence of their captain with highly structured, new European and African additions explicitly selected by head coach Ashley Westwood.
The five foreigners already secured represent a blend of experience, pace, and physicality. Adrián Luna, the Uruguayan attacking midfielder and club captain, remains the heartbeat of the team. He holds an existing long-term contract and is the only player retained from the previous core foreign structure. James Bolton, an English centre-back, arrives as an experienced, physical defender handpicked by Westwood, with a strong profile from playing across English League One and the Scottish Premiership. Andre Green, also from England, is a highly dynamic former Aston Villa winger who made appearances in the English Premier League. Known for incredible pace and a one-on-one threat out wide, Green adds explosive power to the attack. Nebojsa Kosovic from Montenegro is a deep-lying central midfielder expected to bring control, technical distribution, and composure alongside Vibin Mohanan in the engine room. Momo Yansane from Guinea is a physical, direct striker brought in to lead the line and serve as the team’s primary focal point for scoring goals.
Club sources have heavily leaked that the sixth and final foreign slot is confirmed to be a centre-back to pair with James Bolton on the backline. The leading candidate is Abdelmounaim Boutouil, the Moroccan defender formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns, who is reportedly in highly advanced talks and is the frontrunner to wrap up the club’s foreign business. Reporters indicate the race is down to Boutouil and another big-name centre-back whose paperwork is being finalized ahead of the opening game timeline. The addition of a quality centre-back would complete a formidable foreign contingent that addresses key areas of the squad.
With the pre-season camp underway and the ISL season approaching, Kerala Blasters are assembling a squad that combines proven international talent with a strong domestic core. The five confirmed foreigners, along with the imminent arrival of a sixth, signal the new ownership’s intent to build a competitive team capable of challenging for honours. Westwood’s influence in recruitment is evident, with players selected to fit his tactical vision. As the Blasters prepare for the challenges ahead, the foreign contingent will play a crucial role in determining the club’s success in the upcoming season. Fans eagerly await the final piece of the puzzle as the club continues its transformation under the Al Fursan era.
