Historic Transfer Move
Emami East Bengal FC has made headlines with a record-breaking transfer by signing Indian national team midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam from Kerala Blasters FC.
The deal, finalized for an approximate ₹3.2 crore transfer fee, is the highest in Indian football history. The 23-year-old has committed to a four-year contract, marking a significant addition to the club’s roster.
How old is Jeakson?
23
Read More: Who Are The Favorites To Be the Next England Manager? Potter, Howe, Carsley or Klopp?
Welcoming Statements
Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of the Emami Group welcomed Jeakson to the club, saying, “Jeakson is one of the finest midfielders in the country and an integral part of the Indian national team. He is competitive and eager to play in front of our passionate fans, giving his all for the East Bengal badge. Credit goes to our technical team for making this deal happen.”
Head Coach Carles Cuadrat also expressed his excitement, highlighting Jeakson’s importance. “Jeakson is a national team player who will be a crucial component of our midfield. Our discussions have been productive, and he is ready to embrace this challenge, potentially becoming one of our future leaders,” Cuadrat commented.
Jeakson Singh’s Background
Originating from Manipur, Jeakson Singh has been a key figure in the Indian national team’s midfield for the past three years. The defensive midfielder has earned 22 caps for India, contributing significantly to the Blue Tigers’ victorious campaigns in the SAFF Championship (2021, 2023), Tri-Nation Series (2023), and Intercontinental Cup (2023).
Jeakson began his football journey at the Chandigarh Football Academy and the Minerva Academy before joining Kerala Blasters in the 2018-19 season. His standout performance at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017, where he became India’s first and only scorer at a FIFA World Cup, showcased his potential.
Kerala Blasters Achievements
During his time with Kerala Blasters, Jeakson became a pivotal player, featuring in 86 matches. His defensive stats are impressive: 2 goals, 2 assists, 82% passing accuracy, 274 successful duels, 84 aerial duels, 405 recoveries, 102 interceptions, and 62 clearances.
Despite the club’s efforts to extend his contract, which was set to expire after the 2024-25 season, Jeakson’s representative declined new contract talks, leading to his move to East Bengal. The transfer, amidst competition from other ISL clubs, underscores East Bengal’s commitment to strengthening their squad.
East Bengal’s Transfer Strategy
East Bengal’s strategic moves in the transfer market have been noteworthy. Alongside Jeakson, the club signed last season’s Golden Boot winner, Dimitrios Diamantakos, and the highest assist-provider, Madih Talal. Additionally, key players like Saul Crespo, Cleiton Silva, Hijazi Maher, Mohamad Rakip, and Nishu Kumar have had their contracts extended.
The club also welcomed squad players David Lalhlasanga, Mark Zothanpuia, Provat Lakra, and Debjit Majumder, ensuring depth and versatility. Jeakson’s acquisition is seen as the crown jewel of East Bengal’s transfer window, reinforcing their midfield and providing the team with a domestic player of international quality.
Tactical Benefits
Jeakson Singh’s presence allows East Bengal to optimize their squad dynamics. His defensive capabilities enable the club to field an additional foreign attacker, balancing the team with a mix of local and international talent. His robust playing style fits perfectly with East Bengal’s strategic needs, providing the team with a reliable midfield anchor.
Jeakson Singh’s acquisition means East Bengal can afford an extra foreign attacker in the playing XI, as the Indian international provides foreigner-level quality in the defensive midfield position.
East Bengal faced many banters and trolls after missing out on other players, but Jeakson serves them better. While others might be versatile midfielders, East Bengal needed a destroyer like Jeakson, who is physically strong and can intercept opponent attacks in the midfield.
The following defensive stats from the ISL 22-23 season highlight Jeakson’s prowess:
- Interceptions per match: 1.4
- Tackles per match: 2.5
- Clearances per match: 1.1
- Dribbled past per match: 0.8 times
- Aerial duels won per match: 1.3
These statistics clearly show that Jeakson offers superior defensive protection. Therefore, despite losing out on other targets, East Bengal secured Jeakson, a player ideally suited for their defensive midfield role.
Jeakson’s Enthusiasm
Expressing his excitement, Jeakson said, “I am honored and thrilled to join this historic club. The unwavering support and energy of the East Bengal fans are truly inspiring. I look forward to contributing to its rich legacy and giving my best on and off the field. Together, we’ll achieve great things and create unforgettable memories.”
