Kochi, January 25, 2026 — In a transfer move that has sent shockwaves through the Manjappada faithful, Kerala Blasters FC have officially sanctioned the sale of the iconic twin duo, Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar. The 23-year-old brothers, who became symbols of the club's youth revolution, are heading to the capital to join Sporting Club Delhi (the rebranded entity of the former Hyderabad FC) for the remainder of the 2025–26 ISL season and beyond. This isn't just a simple transfer; it is the conclusion of a seven-year journey that saw two young boys from the remote islands of Lakshadweep transform into household names in Indian football.The story of Aimen and Azhar is one rooted in perseverance, talent, and the unique bond that only twins can share. Born on 20 January 2003 in Kerala, the brothers’ journey began in local football circles before they were scouted by Kerala Blasters’ youth program. Over the years, they progressed through the ranks of Kerala Blasters FC U15, U18, and ultimately the senior squad, capturing attention with their natural ability, athleticism, and deep understanding of the game.From the very beginning, what set the duo apart was not just their technical skills — Mohammed Aimen’s pace, dribbling and flair on the wing contrasted beautifully with Mohammed Azhar’s composed midfield presence — but also their chemistry on the pitch that seemed almost telepathic, a testament to years of shared training, ambition, and mutual support. This chemistry helped them break into the first team during the 2023–24 ISL season, a breakthrough moment in careers that had long been earmarked for success.When they debuted for the senior side, expectations were high. But rather than simply fill squad roles, Aimen and Azhar quickly demonstrated that they were capable of influencing matches. Their rise was not meteoric in the sense of overnight stardom, but rather steady and meaningful: contributing assists, scoring important plays, and showcasing an adaptable style of play that made them valuable assets in an evolving league.Aimen, a left-winger known for his dynamic attacking instincts, soon became a fan favourite. His ability to take defenders on, his quick feet and fearless approach earned plaudits from supporters and pundits alike. In international youth competitions, his performances for India’s U-23 side, including scoring a brace against Brunei in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers, further signalled his potential to be a future star of Indian football.Azhar, on the other hand, brought a different but equally valuable set of qualities. Often deployed in central midfield roles or as a versatile link between defence and attack, he became known for his tactical awareness, work ethic, and capacity to control tempo. While he may not have always grabbed headlines with fla
shy goals, his influence was undeniable — providing balance and stability in crucial phases of many matches.Reaction among Kerala Blasters supporters has been mixed, but predominantly emotional. The Manjappada, known for its fervent backing of the Yellow Army, expressed both disappointment and frustration at the club’s decision. Online fan forums and social media channels saw an outpouring of sentiments: from nostalgia for the contributions of the twins to criticism of the club’s transfer policy and strategic direction. Some fans likened the departures to a sign that the team was no longer prioritising homegrown talent, while others acknowledged that players seeking more game time and fresh challenges is part of modern football’s reality.Despite the criticism, there are also voices within the fan community who see the move as an opportunity for Kerala Blasters’ academy to continue producing quality players and for the twins to become bigger names in Indian football with SC Delhi. In a league that increasingly values both foreign expertise and local potential, the success of Aimen and Azhar at their new club could set an example for other young talents across India.The departure of academy products like Aimen and Azhar highlights both the strengths and challenges of Indian football’s talent ecosystem. Kerala Blasters’ development program has produced players capable of performing at the highest level in the country, and the success of these two graduates underscores the importance of investment in youth development. Yet, the choice to let them leave also raises questions about retention strategies and long-term squad planning as the ISL grows more competitive.For Indian football as a whole, this transfer serves
as a reminder of how dynamic the domestic transfer market has become. Clubs are no longer static entities that simply assemble squads; they are strategic organisations balancing performance, finances, and talent development. The journey of Indian players like Aimen and Azhar — from academy hopefuls to professional athletes — could become a blueprint for others, encouraging younger footballers to pursue pathways that might take them beyond their first club and into new arenas of opportunity.As both Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar prepare to don the colours of Sporting Club Delhi, their story continues — but with a new trajectory that could define the next chapter of Indian football. Their move is not just a transfer between clubs; it is emblematic of a maturing football landscape in India where local talents are seeking larger roles, ventures abroad and opportunities that align with individual aspirations.For Kerala Blasters, while the immediacy of replacing two bright prospects may present challenges in the short term, it also reaffirms a broader truth in football: change, though difficult, often ushers in new possibilities. The club’s management will need to balance nurturing emerging talent, meeting fan expectations, and building a squad capable of contending at the top of the ISL.Meanwhile, Indian football enthusiasts will keenly watch how Aimen and Azhar adapt to their new surroundings — whether their performances at SC Delhi can elevate their careers further and potentially earn them more recognition at the national level. Given Aimen’s national U-23 performances and potential senior team prospects, there is a sense of optimism that this move could be a significant step forward.In the grand tapestry of Indian football, the story of these twin brothers will be remembered not just for the goals, the assists, or the club colours they wore, but for their resilience, partnership, and growth — a testament to what can be achieved when talent meets opportunity, and perhaps a reflection of the exciting evolution of football in India.
In a development that has sent shockwaves through the Indian football community, Kerala Blasters FC — one of the most celebrated and passionately supported clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) — has officially sanctioned the transfer of two of its shining young talents, Mohammed Aimen and Mohammed Azhar, effectively ending an era that began in the club’s youth ranks and blossomed into promising professional careers. The twin brothers, who emerged from the Blasters’ academy and quickly became integral figures in the club’s modern narrative, are set to join Sporting Club Delhi ahead of the 2025–26 ISL season, a seismic shift not just for Kerala Blasters but for Indian football’s ongoing evolution.
The story of Aimen and Azhar is the ultimate "scouting success" tale. Born in 2003, the twins moved to Kerala primarily for their education. Their father, working in Kochi, encouraged their passion for sports—which, interestingly, began with cricket. However, the footballing culture of Kerala soon took over. In 2018, the duo attended the Kerala Blasters U-15 trials. Out of hundreds of hopefuls, both were selected, marking the beginning of their professional pathway. They rose through the U-15, U-18, and Reserve ranks with a synchronization that only twins could possess. Whether it was the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) or the Next Gen Cup in the UK, if Aimen was causing chaos on the wing, Azhar was usually the one pulling the strings from the midfield to find him.
History Makers: Breaking Records in Yellow
The twins didn't just play for the Blasters; they made history. On December 14, 2023, they became the first-ever twins to start together in an Indian Super League match when they faced Punjab FC. This was a landmark moment for the ISL and a proud day for the club’s academy. Aimen, specifically, carved out a niche as a fearless dribbler. He became the first player from Lakshadweep to ever feature in the ISL, paving the way for talent from the islands. His performances for the India U-23 national team—most notably his stunning brace against Brunei in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers—solidified his status as one of the brightest young prospects in the country. Meanwhile, Azhar’s intelligence as a box-to-box midfielder made him a reliable asset, often praised for his technical work-rate and tactical discipline.
Tactical Analysis: Why the Move to Sporting Club Delhi?
The 2025–26 season has been a period of transition for Kerala Blasters. Under the leadership of head coach David Català, the team has moved toward a different tactical setup that has seen the twins' minutes restricted. With only a handful of appearances this season, the need for regular first-team football became the priority.
The Tomasz Tchórz Factor: The deciding factor in choosing Sporting Club Delhi was the presence of head coach Tomasz Tchórz. Tchórz worked intimately with the twins during their formative years at the Blasters academy and was the mastermind behind their three-week training stint in Poland with Raków Częstochowa in 2022.
The Delhi Project: Sporting Club Delhi is looking to build a young, vibrant squad after their rebranding. By securing the twins, they gain two players who already have a "telepathic" understanding on the pitch, significantly cutting down the time needed for squad integration.
What This Means for KVSportsNewsOnline Readers
For the fans following KVSportsNewsOnline, this departure leaves a void in the "local hero" narrative of the club. The Blasters have recently seen other high-profile exits, including Noah Sadaoui, signaling a massive overhaul of the roster before the ISL restarts on February 14, 2026. While it is heartbreaking for fans to see the academy graduates leave, the move is being viewed as a "win-win." The Blasters receive a transfer fee for players who were entering the final phase of their contracts (originally set to expire in May 2026), and the players get to play under a coach who knows exactly how to unlock their potential.
The Future: A New Chapter in the Capital
As Aimen and Azhar swap the yellow of Kochi for the colors of Delhi, they carry with them the hopes of a community. They proved that the path from the academy to the first team is possible. For Sporting Club Delhi, they aren't just signing two players; they are signing a chemistry that has been refined over a decade of playing together.
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