Jamshedpur FC in advanced talks with midfielder Pronay Halder

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The 28-year-old is currently one of the most valuable Indian players at ATK Mohun Bagan.

ATK Mohun Bagan midfielder Pronay Halder could soon make a move out of the club with Jamshedpur FC and two more Indian Super League clubs showing interest in the defensive midfielder, Khel Now understands. Pronay, 28, is currently in advanced talks with the Men of Steel and could make the switch in a possible one-year loan deal.

"Pronay Halder is in advanced talks with Jamshedpur and is likely to join the club in a one-year loan deal. He was looking for a permanent transfer. But ATKMB have only agreed for a loan transfer with the midfielder still in Antonio Habas' plan," sources close to the developments informed Khel Now.

Halder joined erstwhile ATK ahead of the 2018-19 season from FC Goa and was part of the squad which lifted the ISL title two seasons ago. In the 2020-21 season, however, he made only seven starts and mostly played from the bench.

"Two more clubs have shown interest in him. But Jamshedpur FC are favourites to secure his signing as Pronay came through the Tata Football Academy (TFA) and is more emotionally inclined towards them," the source added.

Why the move benefits both teams

ATK Mohun Bagan's midfield is stacked with top talents following the signings of Joni Kauko and Hugo Boumous as well as the contract extension of Carl McHugh. According to a source close to the development, Pronay's move to Jamshedpur FC will be a bonus for both sides, as it helps ATK Mohun Bagan manage the salary cap while Owen Coyle will have an Indian international in the squad.

Pronay can easily integrate into Coyle's system and will walk in as one of the two sitting midfielders. His presence as the disruptor in the side will also allow Coyle to play a more attacking playing style. Jamshedpur's total of 21 goals in ISL 2020-21 was the second-lowest in the league last season.

For the Mariners, it will lower the pressure on their salary cap with Halder on a big contract, while also not affecting the team balance. The club already has another experienced Indian midfielder in Lenny Rodrigues while young Deepak Tangri is another exciting addition.

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Pronay Halder's career so far

The 28-year-old made his senior debut with the erstwhile AIFF developmental side Pailan Arrows after coming through the Tata Football Academy. After two seasons with the Arrows, Halder joined Dempo and also represented FC Goa in the ISL. However, injury kept him out of the inaugural Indian Super League season.

He won his first silverware with Mohun Bagan in the 2015-16 Federation Cup. Bagan thumped Aizawl 5-0 to lift the title that year. Halder's first stint with FC Goa didn't bring much success as he only played eight times. He moved to Mumbai City later, but returned to Goa after just one year.

Pronay Halder played an influential role in FC Goa's run to the semi-final in the ISL 2017-18 season. He played 13 games, including in both legs of the semi-final defeat to Chennaiyin FC. Next, he signed a two-year deal with ATK and was one of Steve Coppell's main men in midfield. The 28-year-old started all but four games in the ISL that season as with ATK finishing in the sixth position.

The club underwent a major overhaul next season but Halder was retained, although his role was limited. He played only eight games in ISL 2019-20, including a brief appearance in the final win over Chennaiyin. Injury had kept him out for the majority of the season. Last year, he started well but found himself dropped to the bench once Lenny arrived from FC Goa in January.

ATK Mohun Bagan's pre-season preparations

ATK Mohun Bagan have bolstered their squad with some major additions this summer. The club have already confirmed the signing of Kauko and Hugo Boumous, while Carl McHugh and David Williams have also extended their contracts. The Mariners have also made some interesting domestic signings, keeping an eye on the AFC Cup.

Also with the ISL now only allowing four foreign players in the playing XI, the club have strengthened their domestic core. Deepak Tangri and Amrinder Singh are valuable signings in that regard.

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