KBFC wanted Kotal at all costs
Pritam Kotal was a key player for ATK Mohun Bagan in the 2022-23 season. He was the team’s captain and one of their most consistent performers. Even before RPSG intervened, he was a pivotal figure at the club when he lifted the I-League, the top-flight back then, in 2015.
RPSG’s ruthless nature in the Indian Football market is formidable, scary if your club has top talents. Ever since they acquired stakes at Mohun Bagan, they have been breaking record after record in the transfer market. Just recently, after acquiring the likes of Anwar Ali, Armando Sadiku, and Jason Cummings, they bought their long-time target and Chennaiyin FC captain Anirudh Thapa for 3 Crore INR. So after having this much stock in the attack and midfield, did Mohun Bagan buy Sahal, or did he end up there?
According to The Bridge, just weeks after extending Hormipam Ruivah’s contract, the Blasters offered him to Mohun Bagan in exchange for Pritam Kotal. They were even willing to pay an additional fee to secure Kotal’s signature. However, Hormipam was not interested in a move and wanted to stay. Mohun Bagan wasn’t eager to sign him either.
This setback led Kerala Blasters to explore other options, and they turned their attention to Sahal Abdul Samad. Sahal was a long-time target of Mohun Bagan SG, and they had been trying to sign him for several years. However, Sahal expressed his desire to stay with Kerala Blasters. He had been with the club since he was a teenager, and he had fond memories of his time there. But the club had other plans for him. Sahal also had to play on the right wing rather than his natural attacking midfield position due to the system Ivan Vukomanovic, which consists of two strikers rather than a #10.
As Sahal was listed on the market, Bengaluru FC offered a lucrative deal worth around 2cr INR in transfer fee. They were even ready to include a player in this deal. Although BFC offered more, Kerala Blasters wanted to have Pritam Kotal in their team. Along with a couple of inquiries from abroad, there were inquiries from Odisha FC and Chennaiyin FC as well. However, Mohun Bagan were the only party Blasters were interested to strike a deal with. Negotiations started and finally, both clubs agreed. Kerala Blasters finally got their top target and Mohun Bagan got the Poster Boy of Kerala Football. Sahal joined the Mariners in exchange for 90 lakh INR and Pritam Kotal.
“Kotal’s initial intention was to stay at Mohun Bagan, but a shift in his thought process occurred with the signing of Anwar Ali. Recognizing that his playing time might be limited due to increased competition, Kotal, who highly values regular game minutes, decided to pursue other opportunities. Kerala Blasters presented an enticing offer that was difficult for him to refuse.”
– The Bridge stated
Sahal had a great time with the national team in their long unbeaten run. He was pampered in Kerala, but won’t be spared in Kolkata without trophies. The 26-year-old will now feel the pressure of Mohun Bagan just like his predecessors did.
It’s the start of a new life for both players. While Kotal gets to reunite with Prabir Das, Sahal gets to partner up with the likes of Anirudh Thapa, Liston Colaco, as well as his state-mate Ashique Kuruniyan. In a recent interaction with TOI, he told that the role he was going to play in the team was crucial in making the decision.
“I play my best football as an attacking midfielder. When discussing potential signings with different teams, we inquired about the position I would be playing. Mohun Bagan expressed their plan to utilise me as an attacking midfielder.”
– Sahal to TOI
He even went to Igor Stimac to discuss the topic. Stimac, as expected, assured him that he would support him regardless of the club he chooses to play for.
