ISL 2020-21: Subrata Paul to move from Hyderabad FC to SC East Bengal

Veteran goalkeeper Subrata Paul is close to a move to SC East Bengal, according to a report by Goal. The report also suggests that Sankar Roy will be moving in the opposite direction to Hyderabad FC as part of the deal. While Paul’s move is going to be permanent, Roy will be moving on loan for the remainder of the Indian Super League (ISL) season.

https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/962344849797083136

34-year-old Subrata Paul is probably the biggest goalkeeping name that India has had since Peter Thangaraj. He has previously played for both the Kolkata ‘big’ clubs and has also represented Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United and Jamshedpur FC in the ISL. He made a good start this term and kept two clean sheets in six games for the Nizams. However, a knee injury struck him thereafter and Laxmikant Kattimani has deputized for him since.

Sankar Roy, on the other hand, is a talented young goalkeeper who had a brilliant 2019-20 campaign in the I-League with Mohun Bagan. He kept six clean sheets under Kibu Vicuna as the Mariners strolled to the title. Despite that, his move to East Bengal has not gone according to plan having made just one start this season against Jamshedpur FC. With Debjit Majumder ahead of him in the pecking order, it makes sense for the 25-year-old to try continuing his development elsewhere.

Paul last played for the Red and Golds in 2008-09 when he won the Federation Cup with them. However, he is yet to reach the ISL playoffs with any of the clubs that he has played for. He should however be a reliable option to have for Robbie Fowler considering the fact that Debjit has played a lot this season and even though he has been impressive, he also has made a few errors in judgement that have led to goals.