ATK Mohun Bagan are closing in on the signing of Ashique Kuruniyan from Bengaluru FC, IFTWC can confirm. A source tracking the development told IFTWC, “Ashique is now very close to joining ATK Mohun Bagan. Bengaluru and Bagan are on the verge of reaching an agreement.”
Ashique began his career at the Pune FC academy, which was later acquired by ISL side Pune City FC. The 24-year-old earned a place in the C team of Spanish club Villarreal CF after impressing at the U-16 level in India. However, he sustained a hamstring injury after four months of training in Spain, and later returned back to sign his first professional contract with Pune City FC’s senior team. Two years later, Bengaluru FC signed Ashique on a four-year contract after Pune City was disbanded in 2019.
Kuruniyan has been a key member of the Bengaluru squad for the last few years, making over 44 appearances in three seasons. During this time, Kuruniyan has scored one goal and created two more. Last season, the defender made 13 appearances for Bengaluru.
Over the last few years, Ashique has also established himself as a regular for the national team, having made over 21 appearances since his debut in 2018.
Kuruniyan’s versatility has made him a valuable asset for the national team and Bengaluru, as the 24-year-old can excel in both the left-back and left-wing positions.
ATK Mohun Bagan would benefit from the likely arrival of Ashique, as the Kerala-born footballer will provide competition to Subhashish Bose as well as provide depth on the left wing. Bagan had a dearth of options upfront due to Soosairaj’s injury woes, and Ashique’s signing will help to alleviate that problem.
ATK Mohun Bagan has been without a competent back-up to Subhashish, and the latter’s performance has also been lackluster recently. With Bagan closing in on a deal for Ashique Kuruniyan, the defender has a tremendous opportunity to establish a name for himself at the Salt Lake Stadium.
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