ISL Transfer News: Chennaiyin FC Rope in Indian Defender Pritam Kotal to Stregnthen Backline

Add as a preferred source on Google

ISL Transfer News: Chennaiyin FC on Sunday (January 19) announced the signing of experienced Indian international defender Pritam Kotal from Kerala Blasters FC, to add strength to their backline for the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season and beyond.

The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Marina Machans, bringing a wealth of experience from both his ISL journey and an international career that has already produced more than 50 caps for the national team.

Kotal, a key defender in Indian football, has consistently excelled since the ISL began in 2014 and has over a decade of experience playing in the ISL. Kotal began his youth career with Chirag United before moving to the I-League and eventually to ISL.

The West Bengal player has captained Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the past, leading them to eight consecutive wins in Kolkata derby. He has also been a member of the ISL winning sides in 2016 and 2019-20.

With the Indian team, Kotal won the 2016 South Asian Football Championship and was also a member of the sides that won the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. He received the AIFF Player of the Year award in 2015.

Beyond his abilities and silverware, Kotal is also known for his leadership qualities on the pitch. The defender has previously captained Mohun Bagan Super Giant, leading them to eight consecutive victories in the Kolkata derbies.

Pleased with Kotal's recruitment, head coach Owen Coyle said, "We're absolutely delighted to bring Pritam to the football club. He's a player who has played at the highest level and represented India over 50 times.

"He has been a champion in the league and has great leadership qualities to go with his footballing ability. He is very driven. I spoke to him at length, he wants to come into the club, help the younger players, and obviously show how good a player he is."

"It's a great fit for the club. A very good character, a leader, and he'll certainly help the team in the second half of the season," Coyle added.

Speaking upon his arrival, Kotal said, "Very happy to be here and be a part of the Chennaiyin FC family. The coach explained he really wanted me in his team, so when I got the offer, I had no doubts about joining. This is a very good team that plays well. My goal from hereon would be to try and win every match and go to the playoffs."

"Coach Coyle has been here for a few years, he knows the league, the Indian players. The players, too, know and respect him. I want to give everything on the pitch and I am very happy to play under him," Kotal added.

Kotal, who can play across the backline, moves to Chennaiyin after spending the last year-and-a-half with Kerala, which included a spell of 14 games during the first half of the ISL 2024-25 season. The 31-year-old has already trained with the club and is set to make his debut in the coming days.