ISL 2017: ATK reportedly in talks with ex-Manchester United defender Tom Thorpe
What’s the story?
Atletico de Kolkata are in talks to bring in former Manchester United player Tom Thorpe if this Goal India report is to be believed. The 24-year-old centre-back recently featured for Bolton Wanderers in the third tier of English Football League pyramid.
In case you didn’t know…
Thorpe is an English footballer who last played as a defender for Bolton Wanderers FC in League One. He began his career at the Manchester United youth academy and also captained Manchester United Reserves who won the U21 Premier League title in the 2012-13 season before moving to Birmingham City on loan.
He was released by Manchester United at the end of his contract in July 2015. Having performed a brilliant play at the heart Red Devils' reserve team, Thorpe attracted interest from various clubs. Subsequently, Thorpe then joined Rotherham United on a two-year deal. He made eight appearances for the club, scoring in two. The 24-year-old was then loaned to Bradford City and months later to Bolton Wanderers.
Thorpe had a decent time at Bolton. He plied his trade in defence for 25 games that season, netting a solitary goal for his side.
The heart of the matter
The Kolkata-based ISL franchise ATK are all set to make Thorpe their sixth overseas player. The negotiations are being held between the club and the player with the help of Teddy Sheringham, who was a former Manchester United striker. Raghu Iyer, CEO of ATK was quoted as saying: “We’re in negotiations with Tom Thorpe. However, nothing has been finalized yet.”
The 24-year-old is a free agent now as he parted ways with Rotherham United at the end of this transfer window. Sheringham will look to employ his experience to invigorate their defense.
He will be a valuable asset to the team and will bolster their defense, should the pen has put to the paper.
What’s next?
ATK have already signed six foreign players this summer. With the transfer window closed, they have an opportunity to seal a direct deal for the free agent. The management is confident that they can add them to their armory.
Author's take
The team has already signed the experienced Jordi Figueras, who has had vast experience of playing in the top tier of Spanish football. With the addition of Thorpe, ATK's defense will definitely become durable and substantial.