Odisha FC sign Kerala Blasters duo on Two-Year Deals ahead of ISL 2026-27 season

Kolkata, September 10: Odisha FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign with the signings of Indian winger Nihal Sudeesh and goalkeeper Sachin Suresh, with both players joining the Kalinga Warriors on two-year contracts that will keep them at the club until 2028.

Sudeesh, 25, joins Odisha FC after spells with Kerala Blasters FC and Punjab FC. Born in Kochi, Kerala, he came through the Kerala Blasters youth system after beginning his development with FA Cochin.

Nihal Sudeesh signed by Odisha FC

The winger made his ISL debut against Odisha FC in October 2022 and scored his first senior goal for Kerala Blasters in a 3-1 victory over Hyderabad FC in April 2024.

In July 2024, Sudeesh moved to Punjab FC on a season-long loan, where he scored against Odisha FC in a 2-1 victory and was named Player of the Match. He made 20 appearances, scoring once and providing two assists during the 2024-25 ISL season. Returning to Kerala Blasters for the 2025-26 campaign, he featured in 10 ISL matches and scored once, while also registering an assist in the Super Cup.

Speaking about the move, Sudeesh said: "I'm very happy to join Odisha FC, and I'm looking forward to this new chapter in my career. I've heard a lot about the club, the team and the fans, and I'm excited to get started. I'll give my best every day and hopefully contribute to the team's success."

Sachin Suresh joins Odisha FC

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Sachin Suresh also arrives from Kerala Blasters on a two-year deal. Born in Kerala, Suresh began his footballing journey with the Sports and Education Promotion Trust (SEPT), before progressing through FC Kerala and joining the Kerala Blasters system. He represented Kerala at various age-group levels and has also featured for India at youth level.

Suresh made his senior debut for Kerala Blasters in the 2023 Super Cup before making his ISL debut later that year. He enjoyed a breakthrough 2023-24 campaign, establishing himself as a regular goalkeeper and making 15 league appearances, including five clean sheets.

He continued to develop as one of Kerala Blasters' key goalkeeping options in the seasons that followed, bringing valuable ISL experience to the Odisha FC squad.

Speaking about his move, Sachin said: "I'm very happy to have signed for Odisha FC. I've heard a lot of great things about the Kalinga Warriors, and I'm really looking forward to meeting the fans. I can't wait to get started and give my best for the club."