Pritam Kotal will be transferred to Mohun Bagan Super Giant, according to a statement released by Kerala Blasters. Sahal Abdul Samad will depart as a result of the agreement, ending his six-year association with the Club. A transfer fee that has not been disclosed will also go to the Club.
The former captain of the title-winning MBSG joins the Blasters after signing a three-year deal that runs through 2026. Kotal’s football career began with the Chirag United youth club, where a strong run helped him get a chance to play for the India U-19 team. Pritam joined Indian Arrows, an I-League team in the All India Football Federation’s developmental league, in 2011. Before being granted a transfer to Mohun Bagan in 2013, he made 26 appearances for Arrows. There, he immediately created a name for himself as a first-team regular.
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Pritam made his ISL debut in 2014 with Mohun Bagan’s FC Pune City. There, he would stay for two years. He and Mohun Bagan won the I-League championship in 2015, and he was also named the league’s best defender for the year. He added to his trophy collection after winning his first ISL championship with ATK in 2016.
The defender joined ATK permanently in 2018, which marked the beginning of a transformational journey that saw him grow as a player and a leader for both Club and Country. Pritam has made over 125 appearances for the Club since 2018 and has established himself as a key component of the defense. The team will go on to win two more Hero ISL championships under his direction and captaincy in 2020 and 2023.
With the Indian National Football Team, Pritam has been as reliable. He has been a defensive fixture and a frequent player for the Blue Tigers since making his debut in 2015 and has been an essential part of the team’s plan.
In addition to winning multiple medals with the national team, he has made more than 50 appearances for the Blue Tigers and won the SAFF Championship, Intercontinental Cup, and Tri Nations Cup.
Kotal is a tenacious defender who is equally at home on the right or center-back. He has become a true pillar of Indian football thanks to his excellent tackling skills, unwavering commitment, and steely approach to the game. Pritam is an inspirational person who consistently sets the bar high for his club and country. Kerala Blasters’ sporting director praised the successful signings of Pritam Kotal and Karolis Skinkys:
“Pritam is a sportsman who exhibits a strong work ethic and competitive spirit.” It is pretty uncommon to witness athletes like Pritam who, despite having experienced the level of success he has over the years, still desire to reinvent themselves, improve, and uphold their standard of play. He offers our team leadership and a plethora of experience. He is without a doubt one of the best football players in India. Pritam is a wonderful addition to our team, and I have nothing but high hopes for him in the forthcoming season.
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Pritam Kotal said with joy,
I’m eager to join Kerala Blasters and begin this new phase of my career. It’s a great chance for me because of the club’s lengthy history and devoted following. I’m excited to bring my leadership and skill set to the team and work to realize our shared objectives. I appreciate Kerala Blasters’ confidence in me, and I pledge to do everything I can to deliver on the pitch. I do not doubt that my new teammates and I will make club history and achieve victory together. Making our supporters proud while donning the Kerala Blasters jersey is something I eagerly anticipate. “Let’s go, Blasters!”
Pritam joins the Club’s roster this summer, joining Jaushua Sotirio, Prabir Das, and Naocha Singh as newcomers. He is anticipated to join the team in Kochi, where preseason training has already started.
