Exclusive: ATK close in on Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem

The teenager was one of the standout performers for Kerala Blasters last season.

It’s been a very busy few months for Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem, but more off the field than on it. After enjoying a pretty prolific season with Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL), the 19-year-old goalkeeper has been a hot prospect in the transfer market. A number of clubs have been chasing his services, but it seems ATK are at the wheel when it comes to securing his future.

Khel Now has learnt that Dheeraj’s contract with the Blasters is set to expire at the end of May, after which he could join the former ISL winners. ATK have been in pursuit of him for the past few weeks now and want to bolster their squad even further with the young goalkeeping sensation.

Watch: Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem's saves and skills

Moirangthem has garnered a lot of attention after his triumphant debut season in the ISL, where he was a standout performer in an otherwise disappointing Blasters team. He kept four clean-sheets in the league, making 32 saves with a save percentage of 62.74%. He backed up his hype with some sensational performances, which garnered admiration from all around Indian football.

Regarding his move to the Kolkata outfit, A source close to the developments told Khel Now, “Dheeraj is discussing his future with multiple clubs, but a move to ATK looks the closest right now.” ATK had Arindam Bhattacharya guarding their goal last season, but the goalkeeper’s errors caused much woe for the former ISL winners. Therefore,  in line with bolstering the future core of the club, the Kolkata giants want to sign the 18-year-old as their long-term shot-stopper.

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However, this would also trigger a barrage of changes to ATK’s squad as well. Among the backup keepers Debjit Majumder and Avilash Paul, one will have to make way for the wonderkid. In all likelihood, it would be the exiled Majumder to move on and possibly join up with his former side Mohun Bagan in the summer.

After already cooking up a storm in the transfer market by snapping up Jobby Justin, Michael Soosairaj and Irish defender Carl McHugh recently, ATK want to add another golden star to their team. Moirangthem is being eyed more as a future sensation to keep their goal protected over the next decade and also give some much-needed competition to Arindam Bhattacharya next campaign.