ISL 2017/18: ATK rope in FC Goa's Pronay Halder and Mohun Bagan's Ricky Lallawmawma for next season

Two time ISL champions ATK had a horror show in the ongoing season, failing to qualify for the business end of the tournament after finishing ninth in the league table. Thus in a bid to revive their fortunes in the next edition, the Sourav Ganguly co-owned team has already started their preparations early.

The Kolkata-based franchise has secured the services of FC Goa defensive midfielder Pronay Halder and Mohun Bagan’s Ricky Lallawmawma and the contracts have been dated on 1 June 2018, Sportskeeda can confirm.

While the Gaurs have done impeccably well this season to qualify for the knockoffs, Halder could only garner a total game time of 429 minutes. The former Indian Arrows footballer, who is a highly rated defensive midfielder, will thus be keen to get more chances at his new franchise and aim to find his rhythm back.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan’s Ricky Lallawmawma too has agreed to terms to join ATK. The Mizo footballer has made 16 appearances for the Green and Maroon brigade in the I-League this term.

While ATK has ended all their title hopes, Lallawmawma can still contribute to keeping the I-League heavyweights in contention for the coveted title. Mohun Bagan currently sits in the third spot with 30 points and one match to go.

With the much-anticipated the Super Cup lined up next on India’s footballing calendar, both Halder and Lallawmawma will be seen playing for their old clubs. The qualifiers for the flagship knockout tournament are slated to begin on March 12 and conclude on March 31. The final of the mega event has been scheduled for April 22.

In the interim, ATK has also shown interest in signing a goalkeeper for the coming season after Debjit Majumder didn’t have the best of campaigns. Marquee midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh is expected to continue his association at the Kolkata franchise for another couple of seasons.