After a lot of ambiguity on East Bengal transfer news over the last few weeks, TOI’s Marcus Mergulhao has now offered a concrete update on the Red and Gold side’s incomings.
Ninthoi Meetei, who ended up joining Punjab FC from Chennaiyin FC, was never on the shortlist for the club. And the same can be said for Vinit Rai of Mumbai City FC in spite of the rumours linking him with a transfer to East Bengal over the last few weeks.
East Bengal transfer news: Which new players have been signed?
Analysing Mark Zothanpuia :
— Sanghapriyo (@SanghapriyoM) May 3, 2024
Stats-
Big chances created: 4 (1st among the ISL side-backs)
Key passes 1.3: (3rd highest among the ISL sidebacks)
Accurate per game: 30.7 (4th)
Succ. dribbles: 1.1 (3rd) pic.twitter.com/rEyCcb4fkS
Mark Zothanpuia of Hyderabad FC will be joining the club, as rumoured weeks ago. The 22-year-old has accepted a three-year contract and will be the latest to leave the Nizams after their financial breakdown this past season, which forced several key players to leave over unpaid wages.
Next is David Lalhansanga, who will be making a move across Kolkata from rivals Mohammedan Sporting, who only recently achieved promotion to the ISL from the I-League. The 21-year-old is incredible on the ball and has been a standout performer this far, and will be the Indian centre-forward at the club alongside captain Cleiton Silva.
David Lalhlansanga on-the-ball skills pic.twitter.com/5SHXAvjcH1
— Akshai (@Akayu06430392) April 7, 2024
Provat Lakra will be returning to his home state, joining East Bengal from Jamshedpur FC to bolster Carles Cuadrat’s defence. The 26-year-old was with NorthEast United for six years after his brief spell with Gokulam Kerala. And now, is set to join the club in the coming weeks.
And like him, Debjit Majumder has also been signed by the club to bolster their goalkeeping position. The Chennaiyin FC keeper will likely be the #2 behind Prabhsukhan Gill, but the decision ultimately rests with Carles Cuadrat.
Player Category – Creative Link – Madih Talal.
— Shrivatsa Joglekar (@itsShriJ) March 17, 2024
– Constant space finder, no matter where
– A quick attacker
– Wide area drifter to put in smart passes/crosses
– Off the ball presser, right-left, up-down pic.twitter.com/5nafU8NTr3
Punjab FC’s Madih Talal has also been rumoured as a potential signing for East Bengal after his impressive debut season in the ISL with the newcomers. The 26-year-old’s future is uncertain, and a deal has not been officially announced. It the move does go through, it could be an incredible move for the AFC Champions League 2 Qualifiers.
Mumbai City’s Apuia has also been linked with the Kolkata Giants, but there has been no significant progress in transfer talks as of yet.
