A swap deal between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters looked imminent on Wednesday. Bagan are all set to sign India player Sahal Abdul Samad and let go last season’s captain and the former’s national teammate Pritam Kotal.
Kotak, a defender, who played all the matches for Bagan in the last ISL, had asked for a transfer to Kerala Blasters after the defending champions roped in Anwar Ali. Sources said Bagan have agreed to pay a transfer fee of Rs 2.5 crore to get Sahal’s services and will get Rs 1 crore for Kotal’s release.
“The deal has not been signed yet. If everything goes accordingly Sahal will don the green and maroon jersey this season,” someone, who is following the development, said on Wednesday night. Sahal got married on Wednesday.
Bagan, in their quest to win the AFC Cup, have made a strong team this season and Sahal will add more creativity in the midfield. Blasters also badly needed to shore up their defence and Kotal fits into their scheme of things.
With India scheduled to play Asian Cup, Kotal does not want to warm the Bagan bench since Anwar Ali is expected to be coach Juan Ferrando’s first choice.
