ISL 2020-21: Kerala Blasters’ loss is ATK-Mohun Bagan’s gain as Tiri agrees deal

Tiri is set for a return to three-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions ATK FC, who are set to merge with Mohun Bagan and play as a single entity from the upcoming season, The Bridge understands.

Earlier this year, the 28-year-old defender had agreed a pre-contract deal that would see him move from Jamshedpur FC to Kerala Blasters FC. However, since then, Kerala have run into deep waters, financially speaking and have consequently asked several of their players to take a pay cut.

Tiri was given the option to leave for another club if he was not willing to accept the pay cut and that is when ATK-MB came calling. Mumbai City FC were also in the race but the Spaniard’s previous connection with the Kolkata-based franchise and coach Antonio Lopes Habas meant that he was always more inclined for a return.

https://twitter.com/SircarPrachya/status/1264934005889064961

It is learnt that a deal has been agreed in principle but the signing is yet to be completed on paper. ATK-MB are awaiting the government’s guidelines regarding international travel post the Covid-19 pandemic and once everything is clear, Tiri will put pen to paper.

The centre-back signed for ATK back in 2015 and helped them win the title in 2016 before moving to Jamshedpur in 2017. Tiri will bolster ATK’s already strong defence line which conceded just 19 goals in 21 games last season. It is also understood that the reigning ISL champions are also keen on signing Sandesh Jhingan but they face stiff competition from at least two other ISL clubs.

Also read: ISL 2020-21: How ATK-Mohun Bagan could line up next season