I-League 2018-19: East Bengal in talks to sign ATK winger

After Mohun Bagan have taken Sk Faiaz on loan from ATK, archrivals East Bengal are also in the process of taking another footballer from the ISL team on loan.

Lalmuankima Haunhar, who was signed by ATK this season, is in talks with East Bengal for a possible transfer for the remainder of the I-League season.

According to sources, a highly placed official from the red and golds contacted the player’s agent and enquired about him.

Though the official has not committed himself whether he will be signed or not, the signs are positive that the left winger will join the club in the future.

Sportskeeda contacted the media officer and CEO of East Bengal club but both of them have denied such movement. An official from ATK also kept mum when asked about the possibility.

Lalmuankima have not appeared in a single match for ATK this season. The left wing position has been occupied by either Balwant Singh or Everton Santos.

In fact, Manuel Lanzarote has also played in the position in one match. But ATK coach Steve Coppell is yet to fix a man for that position.

If he is signed, the Lalmuankima would be a great addition for the club given that they have struggled in the midfield from the beginning of this season.

East Bengal coach Alejandro Menendez had shuffled Bradon Vanlalremdika and Yami Longvah in that position but both of failed to impress. Despite having two good strikers, there weren’t enough crosses that came in from the wings.

Lalmuankima have started his career with local club Luangmual. After spending one season, he moved to famous club Chanmari FC before signing with I-League champion Aizawl FC. 

Watching his brilliance, FC Goa signed him earlier this year but he didn’t appear in a single match. He returned to Aizawl FC and scored the last goal from tie-breaker to knock Chennaiyin FC out.

After that, ATK signed the player on a two-year deal but here too, he wasn’t given a chance thus far.