'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABf/aAAgBAQAAAABMb//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT/2gAIAQIQAAAAX//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/2gAIAQMQAAAAH//EACEQAAEDBAEFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBBAUAERIXExRTcpKi/9oACAEBAAE/ANSQ4GbyLCeTOVSCcdViDNExtxpfy+a0qx78z7t6/8QAFxEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQACA//aAAgBAgEBPwAwqz//xAAcEQABAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAAFRAhQhMXH/2gAIAQMBAT8AuHpwDqY6v//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
What's the story?
ISL franchise Kerala Blasters FC are set to add more attacking stimulus to their side, with the signing of Seiminlen Doungel from NorthEast United for the coming Indian Super League season.
In case you didn't know:
Seiminlen Doungel is a JCT youth product and joined East Bengal back in 2011 and made his debut in the AFC Cup for the Kolkata giants. He even featured for the Pailan Arrows (now called the Indian Arrows) on loan, before coming back to Kolkata again.
He played for NorthEast United in the first season of the ISL and then moved to Delhi Dynamos for the second season. Len Doungel also played for Shillong Lajong and Bengaluru FC in the Hero I-League.
The heart of the matter
Seiminlen Doungel, popularly known as 'Len', has agreed to join ISL franchise Kerala Blasters FC on a three-year deal from next season onwards. The deal is reported to be worth a sum of INR 2.4 crores.
Len Doungel has played 16 matches for the Highlanders this season grabbing four goals and an assist to his name. The Manipur born youngster scored a hat-trick against Chennaiyin FC leading his side to a 3-1 win, becoming the first Indian player this season to score a hat-trick in the Indian Super League.
The attacker impressed one and all with his performances on the pitch which prompted the Kochi franchise to move quickly for his signature.
What's next?
The former Liverpool goalkeeper - David James, recently signed a new contract with the Kochi side and will remain head coach until 2021. Seiminlen Doungel will sign for the Kerala Blasters side next season as David James' first long-term signing and will be expected to be the focal point of the team's attacking play.
Author's take
Len Doungel has been one of the most impressive players in the NorthEast United side who have had a disappointing season - NorthEast United have finished at the bottom of the table after scoring only 11 points from 18 matches. He is a good option in the strike force and the Kerala Blasters will benefit immensely from this signing.
