Mohali: Punjab FC has signed left-back Likmabam Rakesh Singh on loan from Kerala Blasters for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The defender has signed on a one-year loan deal from the Kerala club who had signed him in June this year.
The 21-year-old, born in Manipur, began his professional career with NEROCA FC in Manipur. In 2018, he joined the Bengaluru FC Academy and went on to represent their U16, U18, and Reserve teams in various age-group tournaments. Rakesh returned to NEROCA FC in 2022 and made over 40 appearances for NEROCA in the I-League, Durand Cup, and Super Cup Qualifiers before signing for Kerala Blasters this year.
Rakesh primarily plays as a left back but can also play as a center back and he will add depth to the defence of the club. He will be the second player to sign on loan from Kerala Blasters after Nihal Sudheesh was also signed for this season.
Speaking about the extensions, Technical Director of Punjab FC, Nikolaos Topoliatis said, “Rakesh is a player with a lot of potential. He possesses a lot of energy and pace and that will be essential for the team this season. He will also provide the depth in defence, which is important for a long season.”