In an unexpected development, Chennaiyin FC succeeded in acquiring Pritam Kotal from the Kerala Blasters on a multi-year contract. While the Marina Machans acquired Pritam, they lost Bikash Yumnam to the Blasters as part of the transfer. Which team gains the most from the transfer? Let’s examine the move and the potential effects they may have on either side.
Bikash Yumnan to Kerala Blasters
Bikash Yumnam began his career at the renowned Minerva Punjab youth academy and worked his way up. He later made his debut for Punjab FC in the 2020-21 I-League season and established himself in the National team at youth level. In January 2022, Bikash switched to the ISL, signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Chennaiyin FC for an undisclosed transfer fee. Despite not playing much under then-head coach Thomas Brdaric, Bikash emerged as a regular starter under Owen Coyle.
With his contract scheduled to expire in the summer, rumors circulated earlier in the transfer window that Bikash Yumnam had agreed to join the Blasters on a free transfer. Despite transforming into one of the club’s best defenders, Chennaiyin FC failed to tie down Bikash to a long-term deal and let him join their rivals on a four-and-a-half-year contract. It nearly felt like the Marina Machans were about to lose Bikash on free, but they moved quickly to bring Pritam Kotal in return.
Pritam Kotal to Chennaiyin FC
Pritam Kotal astonished everyone when he left Mohun Bagan to join Kerala Blasters as part of the Mariners-Blasters transfer for Sahal Abdul Samad. However, things did not work out for Pritam in Kerala. Despite playing consistently under Ivan Vukomanovic and Mikael Stahre, Pritam has appeared fragile in defence when contrasted to the top-level performances he achieved with the Mariners.
Despite his consistent appearances, there were always rumours tying Pritam Kotal to a move away from the Blasters. Rumours circulated early this season that he was not included in Stahre’s plans. He surprised many of the supporters of both teams by joining Chennaiyin FC. Pritam has already joined the Marina Machans training camp after signing a two-and-a-half-year contract with Chennaiyin FC.
What impact will they make for their respective sides?
Bikash will have an immediate impact on the Kerala Blasters’ backline. This season, he has been one of the top Indian centre backs in the league. While Blasters have fielded Hormipam and Pritam alongside Drincic/Coeff at the back, they have yet to establish themselves as a reliable starter. With Bikash, they will have a reliable defender who will help them achieve their goal of making it to the playoffs.
Following the draw against Mohammedan, Owen Coyle asked for better game management from his youngsters. The Marina Machans have conceded several goals this season as a result of backline miscommunication. With the addition of Pritam, they will have a dependable captain in the defense who can command the young Chennaiyin team on the pitch. In contrast to their approach of nurturing young players, the Marina Machans now has a proven player who can get into the team right away and demonstrate his abilities.
A win-win for both clubs?
Given that they received Pritam in exchange for Bikash rather than losing the latter on a free transfer, Chennaiyin FC will be pleased with the deal. Kerala Blasters, on the other hand, would be ecstatic to sign someone like Bikash to a long-term contract without having to pay any transfer fees. The deal will benefit the Blasters more than the Marina Machans, although the latter will be pleased to have a player with over 175 league games and 50 national team caps.
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