Exclusive: Kerala Blasters in talks to sign Victor Mongil

The 27-year-old was a vital cog in defence during the second half of the previous season for ATK.

Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters have shown interest in former ATK centre-back Victor Mongil for next season, Khel Now has learnt.

A source close to the developments quoted, "Head coach Kibu Vicuna sees Victor Mongil as a replacement for Tiri, who is going to rejoin his former club ATK."

The Spanish defender came in mid-season after ATK had an injury crisis in their back-line. The 27-year-old Real Valladolid graduate played for their 'B' team for a few years before featuring in seven matches for the senior team in the 2011-12 campaign. However, in the following campaign, he was roped in by Atletico Madrid's 'B' team and there he plied his trade for another two years.

The former Spain U-17 international also featured for Spanish lower division sides like Levante B, Alcoyano and Pontevedra. Thereafter he moved to greener pastures in Georgia where he joined first-tier outfit Dinamo Tbilisi and subsequently featured in the UEFA Europa League qualifiers for them just before joining ATK.

Although Tbilisi were knocked out of the qualifiers by Dutch outfit Feyenoord it only proves the level in which Mongil has featured in the past and the quality he brings to the table for Kerala Blasters.

The former Real Valladolid man played his part at the heart of the defence in absence of a leader like Agustin Garcia in the latter phase of the last season and eventually guided them to their third Indian Super League title.

Mongil is a fearless centre-back who is exceptional with the ball at his feet which will suit to Kibu Vicuna's philosophy. All in all, he can be the leader in defence and also add stability for Blasters after a horrid previous season.

With complications over Tiri's contract and Sandesh Jhingan parting ways, Kerala Blasters faced a double blow in the last few weeks. However, the talks of Victor Mongil joining the club will ease out the tension among the Blasters' faithful.

The 27-year-old attracted a lot of interest with his performances for the Kolkata-based outfit and Kerala Blasters are understood to be in talks to bring him in.