Exclusive: Edu Garcia set to sign new two-year contract with ATK

The Spaniard joined the Kolkata -based outfit in 2019 and instantly became a crucial cog of the team.

ATK have had a stellar campaign which saw them lift the Indian Super League title for a record third time. Therefore, the team management have been eager to extend the contracts of their key players. While there has been a lot of interest in Edu Garcia's services in the last few days from several ISL sides, the Spaniard is set to sign a two-year extension with the Kolkata outfit.

Edu Garcia came to India when he joined Bengaluru FC back in 2017 and then left for Chinese second-tier outfit Zhejiang Greentown for a then-record transfer fee. However, he returned to India when he arrived at ATK and inspired them to lift their record third ISL title by beating Chennaiyin FC in the final.

The 29-year old Spaniard was one of the crucial players for Antonio Lopez Habas last season. Even though he did not start in each and every game, Garcia made valuable contributions coming off the bench and having an immediate impact. The former Real Zaragoza man scored six goals and created three, which buoyed the ATK side especially when David Williams was sidelined with an injury.

Edu Garcia had several offers from other ISL outfits, as his contract with ATK was set to run out. Clubs like FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC were keen to land the Spanish midfielder for the next campaign, but now they will have to look at alternatives with Garcia set to pledge his future to ATK.

His understanding with the likes of Roy Krishna, Williams and Javi Hernandez made ATK threatening on the counter. Therefore, the management have not wasted any time in trying to secure an extension for the 29-year-old, as they want to keep the quartet intact.

Both Krishna and Williams have already pledged their future to ATK. While players like Hernandez and Irish defensive midfielder Carl McHugh have all penned long term contracts.

With the management already declaring Antonio Lopez Habas as the head coach of the merged entity, it is safe to say that the Spaniard has managed to keep the core of the champion side intact for next season.

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