ATK seal Michael Soosairaj’s signing from Jamshedpur FC

The 26-year-old was a bright figure in the Men of Steel’s attack, scoring four goals in his inaugural ISL campaign.

After months of speculation, ATK have finally captured Michael Soosairaj from Jamshedpur FC after a prolific debut season in the Indian Super League(ISL). The former Chennai City winger wasn’t going to come for cheap, but the Kolkata giants have agreed to provide big money for the emerging star.

ATK have activated his release clause, which according to reports was Rs. 90 lakh and has been further backed up by Khel Now sources. The left-winger lit up Jamshedpur’s game with his sizzling work down the wings, scoring some stunning goals and catching the eye of many clubs in the league. However, it was the Kolkata giants who made the move to further reinforce their frail attack.

Following another dismal season, in which ATK only won 6 ISL games and were the lowest goal-scorers with 18 goals from as many games. Despite having a glittering attacking lineup boasting of talents like Manuel Lanzarote, Kalu Uche, Balwant Singh and Everton Santos, Steve Coppell just couldn’t get them to play the attractive football which was expected from them all around. ATK desperately needed attacking changes and the management is working hard to create a new core and make sure the disappointments don’t continue through next season.

Soosairaj will bring that fiery spark which has been missing in their attack for a long time now. The 26-year-old was a bright figure in the Men of Steel’s attack, scoring four goals in his inaugural ISL campaign and adding that “wow factor” with his dazzling work down the wings. After watching all their players, including Jayesh Rane, Balwant Singh and Everton Santos unable to inspire down the left, ATK felt it to be a place for immediate improvement.

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As they aim to make a proper come-back next season and build the team around captain Manuel Lanzarote, Soosairaj can be that decisive figure they’ve been missing in the past few seasons. Not only can he score stunning goals, but his movement on the ball and creative ability is actually ideal for a blooming striker.

The Kolkata giants had already made a big domestic signing a few months ago when they announced the signing of Jobby Justin from East Bengal. Justin was among the star strikers in the 2018/19 I-League season, scoring 8 goals and leading the chart among the domestic players. ATK will hope new signing Soosairaj can gel with the Kerala-born Justin properly and help them score goals more consistently as well as competing at the very top next season.