ATK confirm signing of multiple players for upcoming ISL season

The Kolkata outfit have been engaged in a massive revamp of their squad.

Indian Super League (ISL) franchise ATK have signed defender John Johnson and Manuel Lanzarote Bruno for the upcoming season of the ISL.

Nigerian forward Kalu Uche has also joined the squad. Apart from retaining some of the local talents from last season like Debjit Majumder, Prabir Das, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Hitesh Sharma, Jayesh Rane and Komal Thatal, ATK has also signed several new Indian players.

Defender Arnab Mondal, national team midfielder Pronay Halder and forward Balwant Singh, Cavin Lobo, Shaikh Faiaz, among others will be seen in the red and white jersey in the fifth season of Indian Super League.

“We are very excited with the team that we have formed. It is a good combination of Indian and foreign players, youth and experience. We have tried to form an all-round and compact squad. I am happy to welcome several new members to the ATK family and hope that together we can put up some great football this season," ATK owner Sanjiv Goenka.

John Johnson began his career at the Middlesbrough Academy where he went on to make his first-team debut in 2008 against Chelsea. Later on, he played at Tranmere Rovers and Northampton Town before he joined Bengaluru FC in 2013. Previously voted the ‘Best Defender of the I-League’ by the All India Football Federation, Johnson will now be donning ATK colours in the upcoming season of ISL.

“Really excited to join ATK. Such a massive club in India, certainly looking forward to creating memorable times and winning some trophies. Thank you ATK for having me in the family," Johnson said.

Manuel Lanzarote Bruno was in an impressive form in the last season of ISL, where he scored 13 goals and provided six assists for FC Goa. Lanzarote played with the C and B teams of FC Barcelona earlier in his career.

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In 2005, he joined neighbouring UE Lleida in Segunda División, but later moved to Atlético Madrid B. Apart from this, he has also played for clubs such as Real Oviedo and UE Sant Andreu from Tercera División.

Lanzarote scored 14 goals in the 2012–13 campaign with the Arlequinats, and in 2013 he signed a deal with La Liga side RCD Espanyol.

After playing abroad with Asteras Tripoli F.C. in Greece, Lanzarote signed for the Indian Super League franchise FC Goa in 2017.

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“I have enjoyed playing in India and cannot wait to begin afresh with the double champions, ATK. I hope to be able to continue with my form from the past season and help ATK win another championship," Lanzarote said.

Here is the full squad: John Johnson, Manuel Lanzarote, Kalu Uche, Debjit Majumder, Prabir Das, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Jayesh Rane, Arindam Bhattacharya, Avilash Paul, Arnab Mondal, Hitesh Sharma, Ankit Mukherjee, Aiborlang Khongjee, Ricky Lallawmawma, Sena Ralte, Pronay Halder, Malsawmzuala, Cavin Lobo, SK. Faiaz, Lalmuankima, Komal Thatal, Balwant Singh.