Kerala Blasters sign Portuguese winger Tiago Alves Mendes and Spanish forward Koldo Obieta Alberdi.
Tiago Alves Mendes
Kerala Blasters FC have confirmed the signing of Portuguese attacker Tiago Alexandre Mendes Alves, adding international flair and proven versatility to their squad ahead of the upcoming season. The 29-year old arrives from Japan’s J1 League, bringing with him valuable experience from one of Asia’s most competitive football environments.
Born in Coimbra, Portugal, is best known for his ability to operate across the frontline. While primarily a left winger, Alves has also excelled as a centre-forward and attacking midfielder, providing Kerala Blasters with tactical flexibility in the final third.
Alves began his footballing education in Portugal’s esteemed youth systems, progressing through clubs such as Sporting CP, Académica Coimbra, and Os Belenenses before making his senior breakthrough with Varzim SC. After establishing himself in the Portuguese leagues, he took his talents abroad in 2019, signing with Olimpia Grudziądz in Poland’s I liga, where a strong run of form secured him a move to Piast Gliwice in the country’s top division.
His most prolific spell came in Japan, where he flourished with Montedio Yamagata in the J2 League, recording 24 goals in 67 appearances across two seasons. Short stints with Botafogo-SP in Brazil and Tokyo Verdy in Japan followed, further broadening his experience across different footballing cultures. His arrival is expected to provide both goals and creativity, while opening up exciting new possibilities for the Blasters’ attack.
Sporting Director, Karolis Skinkys: “We are very pleased to welcome Tiago to Kerala Blasters. He is a player who has consistently demonstrated his quality across various leagues and we believe his versatility and attacking instincts will be a strong addition to our squad. We believe his presence will bring more unpredictability and balance to our forward line as we prepare for the challenges ahead.”
Tiago Alves Said: “I am very excited to begin this new chapter with Kerala Blasters and to have the opportunity to play while taking on a new challenge in Asia. I look forward to giving my best on the pitch, working hard and scoring goals.”
Kerala Blasters FC CEO, Abhik Chatterjee: “Tiago’s signing reflects our commitment to building a dynamic squad for the season. His ability to adapt across multiple attacking roles, combined with the experience he’s gained across Europe and Asia, makes him a perfect fit for our footballing philosophy. We believe he brings not just quality, but also a winning mentality and the kind of creativity that can unlock games. As we push towards our goals this season, I believe Tiago will be a vital part of our offensive setup and a player our fans will enjoy watching.”
Alves is known for his versatility, capable of stretching defenses from the wing or operating centrally in advanced roles. Right-footed, he combines quick movement, intelligent positioning, and clinical finishing. With his skill set and international experience, Tiago Alves is set to be a key asset for Kerala Blasters’s attacking unit and will join the team shortly as pre-season preparations continue.
Koldo Obieta Alberdi
Kerala Blasters FC is pleased to confirm that the signing of Koldo Obieta Alberdi is now completed.
The Spanish centre forward joins on a one-year deal, arriving from Real Unión, bringing his proven goal-scoring instincts and experience in the Spanish leagues to the Blasters roster.
Born in Gernika, Basque Country, Obieta developed his football at his hometown club, Gernika Club, before making his senior debut in 2012. Over the years, he has featured prominently in various Spanish clubs, including stints with Zamudio, SD Amorebieta, CD Tudelano, and AD Alcorcón, among others, gaining valuable experience across Spain’s competitive leagues and consistently demonstrating his ability to find the net.
Obieta combines physical presence with aerial threat, good positioning, and finishing skills both inside the box and on transitions. While he naturally leads the line, he has demonstrated versatility in recent seasons, adapting well to various forward roles within his team’s formations.
Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys said:
“Obieta is an experienced forward who has played across several Spanish clubs. We believe his qualities will give us more options in attack, and we look forward to bringing him into the team and seeing the qualities he can add to our attack.”
Koldo Obieta said:
“After being contacted by the club and speaking to our Head Coach, I was impressed with the size of the club and its passionate fanbase. I’m very proud to be a part of this family. I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and give my best.”
Kerala Blasters CEO, Abhik Chatterjee, said:
“We are pleased to welcome Koldo Obieta as our first foreign signing this season. We believe his experience and his hunger to affect proceedings up front will add value to the squad and support the team in the challenges ahead.”
Obieta will link up with his teammates during the pre-season camp in Goa, as the club intensifies preparations for what promises to be a competitive season ahead. The Blasters are set to begin their campaign on 7th October, with all newly signed players, including Obieta.
KBFC Media
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