(Football news) Kerala Blasters have announced the signing of Ukrainian midfielder Ivan Kaliuzhnyi from FK Oleksandriya. The 24 year old started his career with Ukrainian side Metalist Kharkiv and went on to Dynamo Kiev, representing the team in the UEFA Youth League. He began his senior career with Metalist 1925 Kharkiv, playing 27 games in the first season. Kaliuzhnyi then went on loan to Ukrainian side Rukh Lviv where he made 32 appearances and scored 2 goals.

Kaliuzhnyi then transferred to FK Oleksandriya in February 2021, contributing 4 assists and 2 goals in 23 appearances. With the Ukrainian League suspended due to Russia’s invasion, the player temporarily joined Iceland top division side Keflavik IF before joining Kerala Blasters. Commenting on the Blaster's third foreign signing of the summer Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said "I would like to congratulate Ivan for joining our club and express my big happiness that we finally were able to bring him to Kerala. This quality player will be a good reinforcement for our team. I hope Ivan will adapt quickly and showcase all the qualities we know he possesses to excel here." 

"I am excited to join the biggest club in India and very much looking forward to my new challenge. I am beyond excited to meet the famous yellow army and give my all for them and the club " said an excited Ivan Kaliuzhnyi. Ivan Kaliuzhnyi becomes KBFC's third foreign signing of the summer after striker Apostolos Giannou and defender Victor Mongil were announced in the last week. Ivan Kaliuzhnyi will add another dimension to the Blasters midfield as they prepare for the upcoming Hero ISL 2022/23 season.

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