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What's the story
After five years with Bengaluru FC, defender John Johnson is closing in on a move to ATK, according to reports. After a disappointing season, the two-time ISL champions are attempting to land the star defender in a big money move. However, when Sportskeeda got in touch with Bengaluru FC, the club confirmed that Johnson is yet to put pen on paper.
In case you didn't know...
Johnson began his career at the Middlesbrough academy where he eventually signed his first professional contract. He went on to make his first-team debut in 2008 against Chelsea. Later on, he plied his trade at Tranmere Rovers and Northampton town before he joined Bengaluru FC in 2013.
Last year, there were reports, that the Englishman was planning to move out of the club citing 'personal reasons'.
The heart of the matter
After five successful years with the Blues, Johnson is now all set to leave as his contract with will come to an end in May. The 29-year-old defender is in talks to sign a two-year contract with ATK.
ATK have reportedly offered him 250,000 USD in the first year and 275,000 USD in the next year. ATK were already looking to their defensive order after a disappointing season and it seems like they have got the man they wanted.
What's next?
Johnson may have given his best for the Bengaluru FC in the last five years but now it appears he is ready to join rivals ATK and don their jersey in the next season of the ISL.
Author's take
ATK finished second last in the recently concluded season of the ISL. Defence was a big worry for them as they conceded as many as 30 goals, the second most in the league only after Delhi Dynamos. If Johnson does join the Kolkata-based club, it will definitely be a big a boost for them.
