Indian Super League (ISL) side Chennaiyin FC on Sunday completed the signing of Indian international defender Pritam Kotal from Kerala Blasters FC on a two-and-a-half-year deal. In his international career, the 31-year-old has already produced more than 50 caps for the national team.

A versatile defender, who can play anywhere in the backline, Kotal joined Chennaiyin FC after spending the last year-and-a-half with Kerala Blasters FC, 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.

Kotal, a key defender in Indian football, has consistently excelled since the ISL began in 2014. Originating from West Bengal, his youth career commenced with Chirag United before he made a name for himself in the I-League. Kotal would eventually foray into the ISL and become a crucial player for several teams, winning the ISL Cup in the 2016 and 2019-2020 seasons to his burgeoning trophy cabinet.

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.

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.

Internationally, Kotal made his senior debut in 2015 and has been a mainstay in the Indian national team since. He played a crucial role in India’s 2016 South Asian Football Federation Championship victory and was part of the squads that contested the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. Having represented India across multiple age groups, Kotal was awarded the AIFF Emerging Player of the Year in 2015.

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.

Yumnam moves to Kerala Blasters FC

Kerala Blasters FC on Sunday announced the signing of promising young defender Bikash Yumnam from Chennaiyin FC. The 21-year-old centre-back has committed to a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until 2029.

Bikash Yumnam, born on September 6, 2003, in Lilong Chajing, Manipur, has been a standout talent in Indian football. He began his professional career with Indian Arrows in the I-League, making his debut on February 5, 2020, against NEROCA FC. His impressive performances earned him a move to RoundGlass Punjab FC, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.

In January 2023, Yumnam joined Chennaiyin FC in the ISL, marking his first foray into India’s top-tier football league. During his tenure with Chennaiyin FC, he further honed his defensive capabilities, showcasing his potential as a future star in Indian football.

Yumnam has also been a consistent presence in India’s youth national teams, representing the U-16, U-19, and U-20 sides. Notably, he was part of the Indian U-16 team that reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 AFC U-16 Championship in Malaysia, a tournament where India conceded only one goal. His performances at the youth level have been instrumental in India’s successes, including winning the SAFF U-15 Championship in 2017 and the SAFF U-20 Championship in 2022.

In 2020, Yumnam gained international recognition by being the first Indian footballer to be featured in The Guardian’s “Next Generation 2020” list, highlighting 60 of the best young talents in world football. The publication praised his composure on the ball, game-reading abilities, and exceptional long throw-ins, earmarking him for a swift progression to the senior national team.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Kerala Blasters FC, Yumnam said, “I am thrilled to embark on this new chapter with Kerala Blasters FC. The club has a rich history of backing and providing opportunities to young talents and I am eager to contribute to the team’s success and grow as a player during my time here.”

Kerala Blasters FC’s Sporting Director Karolis Skinkys added, “We are excited to welcome Bikash Yumnam to the Kerala Blasters family. His talent and potential align with our vision for the future. We believe he will be a valuable asset to our defense and look forward to seeing him develop further with us.”