Kerala Blasters have bolstered their attack with the inclusion of Portuguese winger Tiago Alexandre Mendes Alves. The 29-year-old becomes the Blasters' second foreign signing of the season after Spaniard Koldo Obieta Alberdi, who signed last week.

Primarily a left winger, Alves has also played as a centre-forward and attacking midfielder, similar to the versatility displayed by the Blasters' Moroccan star Noah Sadaoui. Blasters' Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys is hoping Alves could be a strong addition to the squad that also comprises Adrian Luna. "We believe his presence will bring more unpredictability and balance to our forward line as we prepare for the challenges ahead," Skinkys said in a statement issued by the club.

Born in Coimbra, Portugal, Alves had his footballing education at Cristiano Ronaldo's youth side Sporting CP before travelling around the world, representing clubs in Poland, Brazil and Japan. He played for Montedio Yamagata in the J2 League and last featured for Tokyo Verdy in J1 League in Japan. According to transfermarkt.com, Alves was without a club since January this year following his exit from Tokyo Verdy.

“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," Alves said in the club statement.

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The Blasters, coached by David Catala, are preparing for the Super Cup, which will be held in Goa, starting October 25.

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