ATK: Transfers and the season ahead
ATK officially announced the signing of two players Pritam Kotal and Edu Garcia in the Winter Transfers. ATK are currently ranked sixth in the points-table with 16 points in 12 games.
During the start of season ATK already signed some of the big names of Hero ISL. There is no doubt the club has one of the strongest squad in the Indian Super League this season but they have been unable to convert it in the field. They have scored a total of 10 goals in 12 matches and had managed only 2 clean sheets so far.
#1 Pritam Kotal
Pritam Kotal penned a 3½ years deal with the two-time champions and his ex-club ATK for a transfer fee of rupees 20 lakhs being paid to Delhi Dynamos FC. The right full back had previously played for the Bangla Brigade in their 2016 title-winning campaign on loan from Mohun Bagan.
The 25 years old defender will be receiving a whooping salary of more than one crore rupees per annum and will be joining the side after the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
Pritam has agreed on personal terms with the club and will be seen donning the ATK jersey second time for the remainder of the season.
Prabir Das being injured and absence of good options for the right-back position shows the importance of this signing. Steve Coppell and ATK fans would be hoping for some good performances from the Indian international.
#2 Edu Garcia
The second signing in the winter transfer for the Kolkata based club is Edu Garcia. ATK bought him from the second division Chinese club Zhejiang Greentown FC.
Edu Garcia can play as winger on both sides and is known for creating chances from the flanks.
The Spanish midfielder had played in the ISL before for Bengaluru FC in 2017-18 and had scored 4 goals for them last season. His addition to the Bangla Brigade will surely strengthen the squad and boost its midfield.
Conclusion
ATK has been struggling this season and has not been in the top four since the season began. Although their form has been good compared to last season, and with the two new recruits the club will be hoping to make into the playoffs.
Though yet not officially confirmed, ATK has released Andre Bikey, Everton Santos, Kalu Uche and Emiliano Alfaro for the latter half of the season.
ATK's probable lineup for the season ahead:
