ISL outfit ATK announce sensational triple swoop

The signings are being regarded as a statement of intent from the Kolkata-based side.

As the summer transfer window heats up in Indian Football, ATK are once again proving to be the biggest players by making big signings. The Kolkata side confirmed the signing of former Motherwell captain Carl McHugh, as well as the capture of Michael Soosairaj and Michael Regin.

After finishing the Indian Super League(ISL) campaign outside the top-four for the second consecutive season, the former champions are stacking up on effective talent. McHugh’s definitely their biggest acquisition this summer, having played a number of years in Europe. He emerged as a promising defender while playing for League Two club Bradford City, before attaining success in Scotland.

McHugh captained the Scottish side in the 2017-18 season

The 26-year-old was captain for Motherwell during the 2017/18 season, guiding them to the finals of the Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup as well. Last season, he made 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership and helped his side keep five clean-sheets. A hard-tackling defender who isn’t afraid of making crunching challenges, he’ll be trusted upon to partner John Johnson and further strengthened ATK’s defence next season.

While McHugh might be entirely new to the Indian Football scene, Michael Soosairaj’s one who blazed up the ISL last season. After impressing for Chennai City FC in the I-League, the wing-wizard created sparks for Jamshedpur FC in his debut season. He scored four goals in an impressive season, in which he sent many defenders in for a spin with his tricky dribbling and fantastic pace down the left wing.

With ATK’s wingers being unable to support Manuel Lanzarote or create for their strikers, Soosaraj’s addition will be a welcome one. He’ll also add goals from wings with his precise striking ability along with creating more chances down the sides. However, the 24-year-old will be delighted to see former teammate Michael Regin by his side next season.

Regin has also been roped in by the Kolkata giants after a breakthrough season in the I-League. Regin played an important role in Chennai’s amazing I-League triumph, acting as an impenetrable destroyer in the heart of their midfield. He made eight appearances, but his presence was felt every time he was on the field thanks to his dominative demeanour.

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Michael will be a solid addition to bring more stability to their midfield. He can partner Pronay Halder into creating a rock-solid midfield base, as Regin’s defensive traits and impressive knowledge bringing ATK the destroyer to break up oppositions’ attacks. Coach Antonio Habas is a happy man after securing these three important signings.

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After getting it done, the Spaniard said, “Carl McHugh is a very versatile and exciting player. His talent and his leadership skills will impact the team in a very positive way. I welcome him to the ATK family. Michael Soosairaj and Michael Regin are experienced players who have been playing competitive football in India. Their understanding of the game, their attacking style will add value to ATK.”

The three signings now add to the signing of Jobby Justin which was confirmed by the Kolkata giants quickly after the season finished. As ATK look to get back to the top of the ISL under Habas, they’re building a stronger squad to ensure sustained success next season.