Exclusive: HFC's Liston Colaco signs 3-year deal with ATK MB

Liston, who plays at centre-forward position, has been instrumental in HFC's remarkable rise after last season's lackluster performance when they finished at the rock bottom of the points table.

Hyderabad: Bringing an end to a long-standing speculation about his move from Hyderabad to Kolkata Liston Colaco, who has earned quite a fame for himself while playing for Hyderabad FC in 2020-2021 ISL, is all set to complete his move from HFC to ATK MB, the current runners-up of India's top division football league.

"It is a sudden development. An official announcement will be made on Saturday. After a prolonged negotiation a deal has been agreed between HFC and ATK MB," a source aware of this development said.

As per the deal ATK MB will pay Rs. 1 crore to HFC, who this season finished at a commendable fifth position earning 29 points in 20 matches.

Liston, who plays at centre-forward position, has been instrumental in HFC's remarkable rise after last season's lackluster performance when they finished at the rock bottom of the points table.

The Goan, who has recently made his international debut for India against Oman in a FIFA International Friendly, made his way to Hyderabad after a season with FC Goa in 2019-2020. In the 2020-21 ISL, Liston has been very impressive. His two goals, three assists in 19 matches in his first full-fledged ISL season helped him make a strong case for himself.

Since the end of the ISL final, in which two-time champions ATK MB lost to Mumbai City FC, the Kolkata side was in hunt of the talented youngster.

Liston is believed to have signed a three-year deal with ATK MB worth over a crore. However, there is still no confirmation regarding the exact figure of the deal.

Asked why HFC are letting go such a talented youngster who was a core member of their team in 2020-21 ISL, the source said, "It's a little disappointing that we are losing Liston but again the business also is very important for clubs to survive and make a sustainable football culture in the country."

Six HFC players were called up for national camp for the two FIFA friendlies against Oman and UAE last month.

Now it has been learnt that the Nizams could sell a few more young players from their squad to generate revenue for the club.

-- By Sudipta Biswas