ATK Mohun Bagan sign Hugo Boumous in Rs 14.5+ crores mega deal

The transfer has broken several all-time Indian football records.

Indian Super League (ISL) giants ATK Mohun Bagan have completed the signing of Hugo Boumous from Mumbai City. The Mariners have shelled out a record ₹2 crore transfer fee for the French-Moroccan, who was originally contracted to the Islanders for another season.

Khel Now understands that ATK Mohun Bagan wanted to sign Boumous ever since the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. "ATK Mohun Bagan have wanted to sign him ever since the season concluded. Their early offers were rejected by Mumbai City, before they finally agreed to sell him for a record transfer fee of approximately ₹2 crores," a source close to the developments informed Khel Now.

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In another first for an overseas signing, the attacking midfielder has agreed terms on a five-year deal with his new club. It is the biggest and the longest deal for any foreign player in the history of Indian football.

"Boumous will earn over ₹12.5 crores over the next five years at the Mariners," the source added.

His career so far

Hugo Boumous kick-started his career at the youth academy of Stade Lavallois in France. He later played for their senior team before moving to FC Goa during the 2017-18 season’s January transfer window.

In the ISL, he made an instant impact, scoring two goals and providing two assists in just eight matches. He displayed improved performances in the years that followed, eventually moving to Mumbai City FC last summer in a then-record-breaking deal.

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The Islanders paid a transfer fee of ₹1.76 crores according to reports, to acquire his services. It was the record transfer fee in Indian football till recent times, before ATK Mohun Bagan broke it for the same player.

In the 2020-21 season, Boumous clocked 1422 minutes across 16 matches, scoring three goals along with providing seven assists. He also completed 882 passes, with an accuracy of 70.82% as Mumbai City won both the League Winners' Shield and the ISL trophy.

The 25-year-old has registered 19 goals and 24 assists from 58 ISL appearances till now. ATK Mohun Bagan will now become his third team in the league.

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Thoughts on the signing

"I know Kolkata as the Mecca of Indian football and I'm happy to sign with the city's traditional and successful club, ATK Mohun Bagan. I'm aware that the joy of playing in front of millions of supporters of the club at the Salt Lake Stadium is different. This time, I shall play for their win," Hugo Boumous said after signing for the Mariners.

"I'm always hungry to win the trophy and I've brought success to the clubs that I've played for. I shall keep this in my mind as I play again and therefore, I'll do my best to win. I'm looking forward to seeing the passion and excitement of the supporters. My goal is to win the AFC Cup and the Indian Super League with my new team," he added.

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