Kerala Blasters FC sale talks nearing conclusion? Where's the beloved football club heading?

Kochi: The sale of Indian Super League (ISL) club Kerala Blasters FC appears to be nearing completion, with discussions over the transfer of ownership continuing after the current owners, Magnum Sports Private Limited, announced their willingness to sell the team.

The Andhra Pradesh-based Magnum Group is looking to transfer 100 per cent ownership of the club. IBS Group, the owners of Super League Kerala side Calicut FC, has emerged as the leading contender to acquire the Blasters.

The Lulu Group had earlier expressed interest in buying the club but did not make progress in the discussions.

IBS Group owner V.K. Mathews is keen on the acquisition, but uncertainty remains over the final valuation. Magnum Group is reportedly seeking more than Rs 150 crore, including the club’s existing liabilities, while IBS is believed to have offered between Rs 60 crore and Rs 80 crore. There are indications that the group could withdraw if the asking price rises considerably above that range.

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Luna and 12 others remain under contract

Kerala Blasters currently have 13 players under contract, including Uruguayan midfielder Adrian Luna. Following uncertainty last season, Luna was the only foreign player from the squad and had moved to Indonesia on loan.

Luna is expected to return to Kerala ahead of the new season. Goalkeeper Arsh Shaikh, defenders Bikash Yumnam, Hormipam, Sumit Sharma, Naocha Singh and Sandeep Singh, midfielders Lalengmawia, Freddy, Ebindas and Vibin Mohanan, along with forwards Korou Singh and M.S. Sreekuttan, also remain contracted with the club.
New owners face task of building strong squad

With the current owners deciding to sell the club, a delay in finding new owners could create uncertainty over the team's operations.

Kerala Blasters have already paid the first instalment of Rs 55 lakh out of the Rs 1.10 crore participation fee payable to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for taking part in the ISL. The club has also completed contract formalities ahead of the new season.

A significant financial investment will be required to build a competitive squad. Reports suggest the current owners have not made major efforts to bring in new players, meaning any incoming owners may have to move quickly to strengthen the team through new signings.

The Blasters, one of the most popular clubs in Indian football, now await clarity over their ownership as preparations for the upcoming ISL season continue.