EXCLUSIVE: Mehtab Hossain likely to have trials at Deportivo La Coruna

Mehtab Hossain

East Bengal and India midfield general Mehtab Hossain is likely to have a three-week trial at Deportivo La Coruna, Sportskeeda can exclusively reveal.

Back in May, the 27-year-old midfielder had signed up with Spanish-born Indian origin agent Ravi Daswani and the agent had stated that he was looking to arrange some trials for the India international at both first and second-tier Spanish clubs.

Daswani confirmed to Sportskeeda on Saturday that Deportivo, who got relegated from the La Liga last season, have shown a keen interest in having Mehtab for trials and it could be finalised next week.

Besides Deportivo, another Segunda outfit Sporting Gijon have also been impressed by Mehtab’s CV with a local Spanish newspaper stating their intention of breaking into the Indian market.

Daswani told Sportskeeda from Spain, “There is a possibility at both Deportivo and Gijon but he has more of a chance to have trials at Deportivo and hopefully it will be finalised in the coming week.”

Daswani added that he will meet representatives of some more second division clubs like UD Las Palmas and Tenerife and even La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano.

“Some presidents and key officials of these clubs are still on holiday but they will be returning next week so I will meet them and see if there is any possibility. Although most of them are second division clubs, their standards are quite high and they have recently played in the La Liga also. After having discussions with all those teams, I will take a final call and decide which is the most suitable team for Mehtab. As of now Deportivo is his best possibility,” he said.

The trials are expected to take place at the end of this month or start of August by when Daswani expects Mehtab’s visa and other paperwork to be ready. Mehtab had trials in Scotland and England last year but failed to earn a contract. Daswani, however, has confidence in the central medio to secure a permanent move this time.

“Once everything is finalised, I will arrange everything for Mehtab and I am confident of his chances of securing a contract. Of course there are a lot of factors as he will be coming to a new country, culture and will have to get used to a new language and lifestyle. But in terms of his ability on the pitch, there is no doubt at all,” Daswani stated.

East Bengal have named Mehtab captain for the new season and Daswani revealed that although he hasn’t held direct talks with the Kolkata club, he is confident that the I-League outfit will release Mehtab if he is offered a contract in Spain.

“I haven’t spoken to his club directly yet but Mehtab has assured me that there won’t be any problem because this will be an opportunity of a lifetime for him. But our priority for now is to get the trials finalised,” Daswani signed off.