David Williams signs contract extension with ATK Mohun Bagan

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The 33-year-old's contract had expired at the end of last season and he was in talks with several ISL clubs.

David Williams has signed a new contract extension with ATK Mohun Bagan, Khel Now can confirm. The Australian, who arrived in India in 2019, will play his third season in the Indian Super League.

"David Williams has extended his contract with ATK Mohun Bagan. He will represent the club in the upcoming ISL 2021-22 season as well as the AFC Cup," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now. Williams won the ISL in the 2019-20 season with ATK and also played a crucial role in ATKMB's run to the final last ISL season.

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"He was in talks with other ISL clubs as well but ATKMB moved fast to secure his contract extension, keeping an eye on the AFC Cup," the source added. By virtue of winning the I-League 2019-20 title, ATK Mohun Bagan will participate in AFC Cup 2021. The club are in Group D alongside Maldives club Maziya S&RC and Bangladesh Federation Cup winners Bashundhara Kings. The winner between Bengaluru FC and Club Eagles in the playoffs will be the other team in the group.

David Williams in ISL

Williams joined ATK from the Australian A-League side Wellington Phoenix on a one-year deal in 2019. He played an influential role that season as ATK beat Chennaiyin FC to lift the ISL title, their third in the competition's history. Williams formed a lethal partnership with Wellington Phoenix teammate Roy Krishna upfront for Antonio Habas' side. The 33-year-old scored seven goals and assisted five times en route to the title. Of those five assists, one came in the 3-1 win over Chennaiyin FC in the showpiece.

The Australian forward signed a one-year extension last season, but he struggled with injuries and played mostly as a substitute. Despite that, the forward produced a decent season with six goals and two assists.

In two seasons in the ISL, David Williams has clocked 2280 minutes. He has contributed 13 goals and seven assists. He has been a perfect addition to Habas' side and is crucial to the team's playing style. Williams has also contributed heavily in defence and made 30 interceptions, 24 clearances and 43 blocks.

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ATK Mohun Bagan's pre-season preparations

Williams, therefore, becomes ATKMB's fourth overseas player. With the ISL implementing the AFC club regulations, teams are allowed to make six foreign signings. Only four players will be allowed in the playing XI from next season.

ATK Mohun Bagan have already signed Finnish midfielder Joni Kauko, who played in the recently concluded Euro 2020. The club also announced the arrival of Hugo Boumous in a record-breaking deal from Mumbai City FC, while Carl McHugh has signed a contract extension.

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