Pune city FC’s teenage star Ashique Kuruniyan is on the verge of becoming the first malayali player to join a European club.
The 19 year old is expected to join the youth academy of Spanish club, Villareal in November. The yellow submarines are sitting 4th in La Liga this season.
Earlier, 18-year-old Kashmiri, Ishan Pandita become the first Indian to sign a professional contract with a La Liga club, when he struck a deal with newly promoted CD Leganes.
The left footed midfielder is a huge Angel Di Maria fan and hopes to emulate him one day. The young starlet has also represented India in U-18 and U-19 levels and is the youngest squad member of the ISL side.
“I realise the importance of the chance I have received and I know if I do good there it will open a door of opportunities for not just me, but several young footballers in our country,” said the teenager who will leave for Spain on the 7th.
Villareal CF’s president Fernando Roig quoted “We are more than happy to absorb Ashique Kuruniyan because we saw a spark in him. Our coaches will work on him and we will aim to realise his true potential.”