Atletico de Kolkata have lit up the Indian Super League (ISL) since its inception in 2014 by winning the inaugural season and then repeating the feat again in 2016 by beating the Kerala Blasters in the final of the 2016 edition of the ISL. The Sourav Ganguly co-owned outfit has recently been in the news for a variety of reasons.
As things stand, the ISL franchise might not even be known as Atletico de Kolkata at all after close sources revealed that the long-standing association between Atletico Madrid and the Bengal ISL franchise has come to a screeching halt. The red and whites of Atletico Madrid had invested in the ISL back when the tournament started with the complete financial backing of the Kolkata-based club even lending the “Atletico” name and the unique red and white striped jersey. The partnership between the two continued till now without too many hiccups but as of right now, the financial commitments are said to have been not met by Atletico Madrid leading to a termination of the contract between the two clubs.
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The discontinued partnership will certainly affect the Indian outfit financially but their interest in some of the top world players does not seem to have dwindled with Atletico de Kolkata yet again the main stars in transfer rumour stories. Of all the players the ISL heavyweights have been linked with, we decided to pick out the five that stand out.
#5 Siyanda Xulu
Not many Indian football fans would be well versed with the name Siyanda Xulu. But the fact of the matter is that Xulu is one of the most talented African defenders emerging in world football. The 25-year-old was last plying his trade at the Kaizer Chiefs which is a South African league club and as things appear, the relationship between player and club is seemingly in disarray. Sources reveal that a falling out with manager Steve Komphela has led to an impending exit for the Durban native and a number of clubs are vying to get the defender’s signature in due time. One of these clubs is Atletico de Kolkata who are looking to kickstart their new campaign with solidity at the back. Whether the deal transpires or not remains to be seen.
#4 Sameehg Doutie
Sticking with South Africa, Sameehg Doutie is another player that Atletico de Kolkata are looking out for after the Cape Town native previously left the West Bengal capital last year to return to his own country. Following a recent run in the South Africa Premier Division, Doutie is seemingly looking for a passage back to the ISL with old club Atletico de Kolkata interested in rehiring the 28-year-old. The midfielder is currently a glorified free agent and Kolkata are keen on acquiring his services following a successful first stint at the club. The former Ajax Cape Town player could be the glue to keep the new look Kolkata franchise together at the centre of the park and in the attack.
#3 Fikru Teferra
The ISL’s first edition was off to a flier following Atletico de Kolkata’s impressive start to the campaign. One of the main heroes of the first ISL season was one Fikru Teferra. The Ethiopian striker has been in high demand since his departure from India to South African club Highlands Park. The exciting pull of Indian football and the love from Indian fans seem to see Fikru coming back to the ISL with ATK among the top contenders to acquire his services. The 31-year-old is quickly heading towards the twilight of his career and another successful stint at ATK would be perfect for the charismatic Ethiopian.
#2 Alou Diarra
To make this even more exciting, former French national team captain Alou Diarra is set to be in talks to make a surprising debut in Indian football after his agent revealed he was interested in making a move to the sub-continent. The 35-year-old is reportedly linked to a move with three ISL clubs with Atletico de Kolkata among those rumoured to be interested in buying him. Very much at the business end of his career, the former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player is a world-class deep-lying midfielder and his experience would prove pivotal for a complete performance in the ISL for any team, not least ATK.
#1 Robbie Keane
Irish legend Robbie Keane is one of the most popular players from his land and if reports are to be believed, he may be heading towards a historic career-ending stint in the ISL. The former Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool player is a favourite of new ATK head coach Teddy Sheringham and the two share a healthy relationship which could culminate in the iconic striker making his way to the Bengal outfit. Keane last made a big appearance in the Euro 2016 event with India providing a lucrative regular playing opportunity to the 37-year-old in the twilight of his career. It would be a marquee signing like no other, no matter which Indian club manages to swoop in for him.
