Mohun Bagan, Kerala Blasters complete Sahal-Kotal swap deal: Details revealed

Another mega transfer involving Mohun Bagan has been completed.

It was destined to happen. Perhaps, another mega transfer just took place in Indian football, which again involved heavyweights Mohun Bagan Super Giant, and a struggling Kerala Blasters. Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters have completed the swap deal comprising Pritam Kotal and Sahal Abdul Samad, Khel Now can confirm.

The saga had been a long one which saw many changes and finally the deal has been put into place. "Mohun Bagan have paid approximately 1.75 Crores for the deal and both parties have felt that Pritam Kotal's transfer value is around 1.50 Crores approximately," a source informed Khel Now this morning.

What happened in the background? "The swap deal was on since the last few weeks but Kerala Blasters had offered defender Hormipam Ruivah to Mohun Bagan. The Mariners however, showed less interest in that deal," the source mentioned.

"Eventually, when Mohun Bagan were told by Sahal's counterpart that he will be interested in a move to the club, the management wasted no time to negotiate and as a result landed the deal."

Kerala Blasters are not in the best of situations right now and were in a desperate need of a defender. Two weeks back, a source tracking the move had informed Khel Now, "Pritam Kotal should be a done deal to Kerala Blasters in a few days' time. They are desperate to sign him. He has other offers too. But Kerala's offer and project are lucrative enough to lure him."

What next for Mohun Bagan and Kerala Blasters?

Mohun Bagan's plans are very simple. They have targetted continental success and money isn't going to be a factor for them. In this transfer window itself, they have signed Anwar Ali, Anirudh Thapa, Armando Sadiku and Jason Cummings. Manvir Singh is injured and his injury might recur at times. Liston Colaco is nowhere close to his former self. Ashique Kuruniyan too, is showing momentary brilliance and is inconsistent.

At such a juncture, Mohun Bagan grab hold of Sahal. In which position will he be used? Well, Liston Colaco might move out and Ashique might be shifted to the right. Which means Sahal will start as a left winger for Juan Ferrando's side.

Speaking of Kerala Blasters, they had to let go of many players. "Sahal is willing to make a move. He might not continue with Kerala," a source had informed us way back in May. Prabhsukhan Gill, and now Sahal Abdul Samad, two top-notch players have been sacrificed by the club due to certain reasons associated with last season. Now, how do they cope up and build a formidable side, that remains a question, rather a very interesting one.