Kolkata: Atletico De Kolkata’s thrilling ISL title triumph last year had drawn a lot of praise from many and if one of the reasons for the title win can be accorded to the top class foreign recruits, then the other has to be the athleticism and quick reflexes of star goalkeeper Debjit Majumder.
Absolutely rock solid, he pulled off some wonderful saves during the league stage and left the best for the last, when his presence of mind and sharp reflexes help Atletico get their hands on the silverware for the second time in three years.
But the upcoming football season can be a bit tricky for the highly rated goalkeeper. It is decided that the two leagues- the I-League and the Indian Super League would be contested simultaneously. This poses a question about the star goalkeeper’s next destination.
One of the biggest targets for the top ISL and I-League clubs, Majumder is already involved in a sort of a ,’tug of war’ as his services are desired by his ISL franchise Atletico De Kolkata and I-League giants East Bengal and Mohun Bagan. East Bengal especially, wants to sign the 29- year old goalie whose addition to the side would be big boost.
Not only did Debjit play an instrumental role in the success of the Atletico De Kolkata last year, but he was also one of the main members of the Mohun Bagan team that finished second in the I-League and the Federation Cup this year. He was also a part of them during their I-League title triumph in the 2014/2015 after he joined the Mariners in 2014.
He is perhaps one of the best goalkeepers in Indian football today and the interest shown by these big clubs justify that. While sources say that East Bengal has offered Debjit for a ,’ Big Money Transfer’ and the keeper has shown interest in the same proposal, arch-rival club Mohun Bagan too is keen to retain his services. Also, defending ISL champions Atletico De Kolkata too has shown eagerness to retain Debjit and woud soon come up with a lucrative contract.
Many other ISL franchises too has offered him contracts but as of now, it seems that Debjit would extend his stint with Atletico De Kolkata and sources reveal that he is waiting for a good offer before he finally pens down a contract.
Mohun Bagan, aware of the fact that they might lose Debjit has already secured the services of former DSK Shivajians and Delhi Dynamos stopper Soram Poirei.
East Bengal sign Plaza
After roping in Brazilian striker Charles D’Souza, East Bengal has decided to go for another foreign recruit as they sent contract papers to one of their players from last season- Willis Deon Plaza
Plaza, began the season on a really good note but failed to carry on with the form throughout the competition which denied East Bengal a chance to win their maiden I-League title. But new coach Khalid Jamil believes that he still has a lot to prove and would play well under his guidance.
Also, Manoranjan Bhattacharya, the head of East Bengal’s Advisory Committee too reposed his faith in Plaza after the latter had a poor last season.