Atletico De Kolkata have signed Manchester United academy graduate Tom Thorpe on a free transfer, the club confirmed through an official statement.
Indian Super League giants Atletico De Kolkata have confirmed through their official twitter handle that they have confirmed the arrival of Manchester United academy graduate Tom Thorpe. The 24-year-old becomes the club’s seventh foreign player in the current squad which is set to compete in the latest iteration of the competition.
Tom Thorpe is a product of the fabled Manchester United academy setup and was very highly-rated within the club by the coaches. The played led the Reserves to the inaugural Under-21 title and also boast the best defensive record in the league.
Join us in welcoming Tom Thorpe to the team. #ATK #AamarBukeyATK pic.twitter.com/sMOPNV75MB
— Atlético de Kolkata (@atletidekolkata) September 11, 2017
Thorpe also played for other top English clubs like Birmingham City and Bolton Wanderers. The 24-year-old also appeared for England for all age groups from the Under-16s to the Under-21s but has not done anything exemplary to be called up to the senior squad yet.
The signing is a huge coup for the club and the deal could only be possible, perhaps, due to the present Manchester United connection at the ISL outfit – Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham is the new manager of the club while another academy graduate Ashley Westwood is the technical director.
“We welcome Tom to our ATK family. We all are happy to have him in the team. He is an asset which will strengthen our team’s defence,” club owner Sanjiv Goenka stated in a release, according to The Times of India.
Tom Thorpe said,“I will learn a lot under Teddy’s leadership, and will play to win. But I am sure my stint in ATK will have a remarkable impression on my career path. Above all I would like to thank the management for choosing me to be a part of this squad.”
Atletico De Kolkata are really gearing up for the latest ISL season in style. Having announced the appointment of Teddy Sheringham as the club’s manager, ATK have gone one step ahead by adding Premier League stalwarts like Robbie Keane and Jussi Jaaskelainen to their squad.
Tom Thorpe, a 24 yr old unattached CB, is on 10-day trial w/ #NYCFC. The @ManUtd Academy product last played for Bolton @MLSTransfers @MLS
— Glenn Crooks (@GlennCrooks) August 24, 2017
Tom Thorpe was last rumoured to be on trial at New York City Football Club and the defender would hope to resurrect his footballing career with a strong ISL season under his belt, which could open the door to many more opportunities in the future.
