Former India U17 World Cup star Nongdamba Naorem is likely to switch sides in the upcoming January transfer window as move to ATK Mohun Bagan inches closer.
Nongdamba Naorem was the X factor for Kibu Vicuna during his spell at Mohun Bagan where he conquered the Hero I League for the second time in the Mariner’s history. The 20 years old Manipuri winger found the net twice and managed to grab 5 assists for Mohun Bagan last season. He bamboozled the defenders and also showed his qualities in the final third.
Expectations were high when Nongdamba returned to Kerala Blasters after completing his successful loan spell at Mohun Bagan. Things didn’t go as planned for him as he managed to clock only 184 minutes in the ISL and failed to register any goal contributions. Not to forget that Kerala Blasters have appointed new gaffer in Kibu Vicuna and did major revamp to their squad during the course of the summer transfer window. So, it’s fair to say that Kerala Blasters are yet to find their best form.
According to reports, ATK Mohun Bagan wanted to sign Nongdamba before the season started but the deal couldn’t be materialised. His current deal with Kerala Blasters runs out in May 2021 and it is very unlikely that he will pen down an extension with Kerala Blasters.
When it comes to goalscoring, ATK Mohun Bagan have struggled to maintain their lofty standards from last season. One of the major reason behind that is the injury to their star winger Michael Soosairaj which keeps him out for the rest of the season. A player of Nongdamba Naorem’s caliber can surge their goalscoring chances.
Nongdamba Naorem still has 6 months remaining on his contract and Kerala Blasters aren’t ready to let him go for free. There are high chances that one ATK Mohun Bagan player might be used as part of the swap deal. If both clubs fail to reach an agreement, Nongdamba Naorem will have the option of signing a pre-contract with ATK Mohun Bagan and join them in the next season.
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