Kerala Blasters reluctantly let their best striker leave because of an Indian football problem

Kerala Blasters have been dealt a major blow for reasons not related to them. The Blasters have parted ways with prolific striker Jesus Jimenez due to the impasse over the start of the next Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Jimenez, who was the club's highest goalscorer last season, with 11 goals from 18 matches, has signed up for Polish first division side Nieciecza.

"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Kerala Blasters FC and the entire management team for their support throughout this difficult decision. Even though I was under contract, the club understood the situation and was empathetic regarding my move to Europe," Jimenez said in a social media post.

"For me, playing consistently without breaks is important at this stage in my career. Despite the uncertainty around Indian football right now, I appreciate the club for its understanding and professionalism in handling this matter, something that reflects the values and integrity of the club," said the Spanish striker.

The Blasters, too, did not shy away from acknowledging the reality of the situation. "He recently received an opportunity to return to Europe with an offer from a club competing in Europe’s First Division, a step forward in terms of competition," said Blasters' Sporting Director Karlis Skinkis.

"The circumstances naturally aligned in a way that made this move the right step for his career and his family’s interests at this point. We acknowledge the natural course of a player’s journey and remain focused on building our squad with clarity and purpose."

The stalemate
ISL clubs have been cold in the transfer market this season because of uncertainty over the start of the next season of ISL. The reason is a conflict between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), a subsidiary of Reliance.

The AIFF have not renewed their Master Rights Agreement, which is set to expire this December. There is a conflict over revenue sharing as the AIFF reportedly wants more than the 14 per cent they receive right now. The AIFF is also involved in a Supreme Court case regarding its constitution. All this has led to a stalemate in Indian club football, with clubs reluctant to spend big on players until the situation is sorted.

Jesus, the poacher
In an ideal situation, the Blasters would have wanted Jimenez to stay with them and contribute toward the rebuilding process after a dismal 2024-25 season, in which the club finished eighth, missing out on the playoffs.

Jimenez joined the club last season and became an instant hit under Mikael Stahre. He scored the club's first goal in a 1-2 opening round defeat to Punjab FC. Jimenez's best spell began in October when he went on a six-game scoring spree, which set a record for Blasters' strikers.

The previous record was held by former attackers Antonio German and Dimitrios Diamantakos, who scored in four consecutive matches in 2015 and 2022 respectively. Jimenez equalled that record with a goal from the penalty spot against Mumbai City on November 3. He didn't stop there and scored two more in a row, against Hyderabad FC and Chennaiyin.