I League 2017/18: After talks break down with East Bengal, ex-ATK striker Fikru Teferra close to signing for Mohun Bagan
A disappointing start to the 2017/18 I-league campaign has seen Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan languish in the fifth position of the ongoing I-League edition. Poor performances, including a surprise 2-1 home loss against a depleted, 10 man Chennai City FC.
These particular string of results led to the axing of striker Anusmana Kromah, midfielder Diogo Ferreira and much-celebrated Coach Sanjoy Sen, who faced the sack, despite a 32 game unbeaten home run. Now, sources close Mohun Bagan have confirmed they are in talks with former ATK, Chennaiyin FC and Ethiopian striker Fikru Teferra, who is currently a free agent.
The 31-year old was last seen playing for South African third division outfit Highlands Park last season. Before the 2017/18 I-league season began, Sportskeeda reported that Fikru was in talks with East Bengal over a potential move.
Now, however, the Ethiopian striker is said in talks with East Bengal's arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, over a possible move during the January transfer window, according to sources close to the club.
The club authorities have been concerned with the lack of goals this season, and have reportedly been frustrated with Kromah's failure to convert his chances up front. The situation reached its climax in Bagan's last I-League encounter against league leaders Merva Punjab, when the Liberian forward missed a penalty in a 2-2 loss.
Mohun Bagan had started the season as one of the favourites to win the I-League. With Bengaluru FC making the switch to the ISL, East Bengal were seen as their main title rivals. However, Minerva Punjab has raced ahead in the leagues, with the Mariners trailing the league leaders by as many as nine points.
As newly-appointed manager Shankarlal Chakraborty takes over the reins at Bagan, the Green and Maroons look to haul themselves out of the mid-table misery, and try to finish as high as possible in the league now.