Only days after the return of Antonio Habas, Hugo Boumous has been removed from Mohun Bagan SG’s ISL squad for the remainder of the season. He has been replaced by Joni Kauko, with the Finnish midfielder returning from injury after a long layoff.

Kauko will be wearing the number 8 jersey and has already been included in the team’s matchday lineup. And this marks the end of the Moroccan’s time with the Mariners, after being a vital part of the team under Juan Ferrando.

Hugo Boumous removed from Mohun Bagan SG ISL squad

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The attacking midfielder had been a part of the side since 2021, and grew into a vital part of the team. In 70 games wearing the green and maroon shirt, the 28-year-old scored 24 goals and provided 19 assists. While he did have some issues with Juan Ferrando off the pitch too, he was never removed from the squad completely. But now, Habas has taken the swift move to reintegrate Kauko into the squad.

The Indian national team duo of Sahal Abdul Samad and Anirudh Thapa has been given preference over the Moroccan. And with Kauko back, the Mariners can boast of one of the best midfield lineups in the ISL, at least on paper.

Hugo Boumous is yet to formally address the situation, but Mohun Bagan SG have acknowledged that the player is no longer a part of the team. It now remains to be seen whether the talented midfielder stays in India with another team or makes the move to a higher league given that he is at the prime of his career.