ISL Transfer: U-17 World Cup star Komal Thatal joins Jamshedpur FC

One of the U-17 World Cup stars, Komal Thatal, has made an ISL transfer and signed a 3-year contract with Jamshedpur FC before the upcoming 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) season. On Friday, a club release informed that he will play with the Jamshedpur FC till May 2024.

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Thatal said in an interview, "I am glad to take up the challenge of fighting for honors with Jamshedpur FC. It's an amazing club with a lot of commitment towards football development. I know this is the step in the right direction for me. Under Gaffer Owen Coyle's guidance, I am looking to fight for success that the club and the fans crave so dearly."

In 2011, his football journey started after he joined Namchi Sports Academy in Sikkim. After that, he joined AIFF Elite Academy and the U-17 Indian team after a successful trial. At that moment the U-17 Indian team was preparing for the World Cup. During his time in the U-17 India team, he made 31 appearances and also scored 8 goals.

Thatal made his debut in 2018 with ATK against Jamshedpur FC. He played for ATK for consecutive two seasons. He also played with the newly formed ATK Mohun Bagan in the 2020-21 season. During the time he stayed in Kolkata, he appeared in 20 matches in ISL and overall of 26 appearances. Also, he has scored 1 goal.

Owen Coyle, head coach of Jamshedpur FC, revealed that he was quite influenced and impressed with Thatal's performance and what the 20-year-old had to contribute to his team. Owen said, "The way our system works needs fast, pacy players, and young Komal fulfills our requirement. His flair in attack is something that would be helpful to us and his hunger to play and win gives him the X-factor. He is one of the prodigies of Indian football like Boris, Narender, Moba, and Jitu, and I am looking forward to work with him."

 In the coming weeks, Thatal will join the Jamshedpur FC squad.