ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan signs Finland midfielder Joni Kauko after Euro 2020 campaign

Kauko, who recently featured in his side's Euro 2020 campaign, will sign a two-year contract with ATK Mohun Bagan ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League season.

ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) announced the signing of Finland midfielder Joni Kauko ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League season on Thursday.

ATK Mohun Bagan made a big recruitment this season by signing in attacking midfielder Joni Kauko, who played for Finland in the ongoing Euro Cup.

Kauko, who signed the contract with ATK MB on Thursday, will be one of the star attractions in the eighth edition of Indian Super League, which is likely to start later this year. "Many star footballers have played in the Indian Super League but it is rare for a footballer to sign a contract with an Indian club within three days of playing in the Euro Cup," said a release from the club while announcing its big acquisition.

#ATKMohunBagan is delighted to announce the signing of current Finnish midfielder, @JoniKauko - who joins the #Mariners on a two-year deal!#KaukoIsAMariner#JoyMohunBagan#IndianFootballpic.twitter.com/dccQoBA6Fj

— ATK Mohun Bagan FC (@atkmohunbaganfc) June 24, 2021

 

The 30-year-old can play multiple roles in the midfield and will have a prominent place in head coach Antonio Lopez Habas' attack plans. Kauko is expected to join ATK MB ahead of the club's campaign in the AFC Cup, which is scheduled to be played in the third week of August.

According to club sources, Habas is expected to announce a preparatory ahead of the AFC Cup engagements sometime in July. Kauko, who played the previous three seasons for the Danish club Esberg FB, is the first foreign signing for ATK MB this season.

The club will be announcing its full roster of foreigner soon. There are expected to be some changes as the top league of the country will see a reduction in the number of foreigners from five to four in the playing eleven of every ISL side from this season.