Jamshedpur FC have signed highly-rated winger Komal Thatal on a three-year deal from ATK Mohun Bagan on Friday, August 20. The 20-year-old will be tied to the Men in Steel till May 2024.
Thatal made his Indian Super League (ISL) debut with ATK in 2018 against his new employers. After two seasons with ATK and a subsequent campaign with the newly-formed ATK Mohun Bagan in 2020-21. The winger departs from Kolkata with a record of a goal in 26 appearances (20 in ISL).
"I know this is the step in the right direction for me. Under gaffer Owen Coyle's guidance, I am looking to fight for success that the club and the fans crave so dearly," he added.
The Sikkimese footballer began his football journey in 2011 when he joined Namchi Sports Academy in his state. Later, after a successful trial, Komal Thatal joined the AIFF Elite Academy and the Indian U-17 team that was preparing for the World Cup. The 20-year-old's record for the U-17 side reads as eight goals in 31 appearances.
Jamshedpur FC head coach Owen Coyle believes Komal Thatal will be an X-factor for his team. “The way our system works needs fast, pacy players and young Komal fulfills our requirement. His flair in attack is something that would be helpful to us and his hunger to play and win gives him the X-factor," Coyle said.
"He is one of the prodigies of Indian football like Boris, Narender, Moba and Jitu, and I am looking forward to work with him,” the English manager added.
Komal will join the Jamshedpur FC squad for pre-season in the coming weeks and has been handed the number 11 jersey. In all, the 20-year-old becomes the Men of Steel's third signing in the transfer window after Seiminlen Doungel and Anas Edathodika.
Featured photo: Twitter / Indian Super League
