Kerala side get Kotal in return
KOCHI: Putting to end weeks of speculation and uncertainty in the transfer market, Kerala Blasters' midfielder Sahal Abdul Samad joined Mohun Bagan Super Giants on a three-year contract with the possibility of extending the contract for two more years.
In return, veteran defender Pritam Kotal will join Blasters before upcoming season.
"The club has reached an agreement for the transfer of Sahal Abdul Samad in exchange for a player and an undisclosed transfer fee. It's with a heavy heart that the club bids adieu to Sahal, who has been an integral part of the Blasters family since 2017. We wish him the best in his journey ahead," said a club statement.
It is learnt that Blasters will be getting an additional amount of Rs 90 lakhs as a transfer fee and Kotal for releasing Sahal.
Sources close to Sahal also said that he will be getting around Rs 2.5 crore per year for the first three years with some additional perks including a bonus for scoring goals. On the other hand, Kotal, who led Mohun Bagan SG to their maiden ISL title last year, agreed to a three-year deal with Blasters. He will approximately get Rs 2 crore per year as salary.
"Signing for the Mohun Bagan SG is the best wedding gift ever. I've never won the ISL title in my career. That's why I signed for Mohun Bagan, to win this trophy," said Sahal while speaking to the Bagan media after completing the signing. "Renowned players from Kerala, such as IM Vijayan and Jo Paul Ancheri, gained recognition by playing for Kolkata clubs. I will speak with them before travelling to Kolkata, seek their suggestions and blessings. They are still regarded as icons in Kolkata. I aspire to win the hearts of the supporters, just as they did," he added.
Blasters it seems didn't have plans to sell Sahal in the first place. "The initial offer was a swap deal between Kotal and Hormipam. But Mohun Bagan didn't show interest and cancelled the offer. Later Sahal showed interest to move to Kolkata and Bagan came back with a renewed offer for the midfielder," sources close to the development revealed.
Having made 97 appearances for the Blasters, the 26-year-old left the club as the highest-capped player for the Yellow Army. Sahal scored 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions for Blasters. His nine assists are the most by any Indian player for the Kochi-based side.
