After several disappointing Indian Super League (ISL) campaigns, East Bengal FC is looking to rewrite their fortunes in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
The Red and Gold Brigade, backed by an ambitious summer transfer window, hopes to rise to the occasion, deliver impressive performances, and compete for silverware. This season could mark a significant turning point for the club as they look to capitalize on key signings and strengthened squad depth.
Summer Transfer Window: Squad Strengthening and Key Signings
East Bengal FC’s summer transfer activity indicates a clear intent to transform their squad. By bringing in experienced and in-form players, the club has strengthened its lineup in key areas, adding depth and quality across the board.
Among the most notable acquisitions is last season’s ISL top scorer, Dimitrios Diamantakos, who joins from Kerala Blasters FC. His proven goal-scoring ability will be crucial in bolstering East Bengal’s attack. Alongside him is French playmaker Madih Talal, who led the ISL with the most assists last season and adds creativity to the midfield. Another key addition is Hector Yuste, a versatile defender brought in from Mohun Bagan SG, who brings leadership and experience to the backline.
The arrival of Jeakson Singh from Kerala Blasters FC addresses a long-standing need for a solid central defensive midfielder. With Jeakson anchoring the midfield, East Bengal FC aims to play fast-paced, direct football, orchestrated by the dynamic trio of Jeakson, Talal, and Saul Crespo.
These transfers, alongside a retained core of players like Naorem Mahesh Singh and Nandhakumar Sekar, give East Bengal a well-balanced squad that can challenge on multiple fronts.
Key Transfers In:
- Hector Yuste (Joined from Mohun Bagan SG)
- Jeakson Singh (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
- Debjit Majumder (Joined from Chennaiyin FC)
- Provat Lakra (Joined from Jamshedpur FC)
- Nishu Kumar (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
- Madih Talal (Joined from Punjab FC)
- Mark Zothanpuia (Joined from Hyderabad FC)
- David Lalhlansanga (Joined from Mohammedan SC)
- Dimitrios Diamantakos (Joined from Kerala Blasters FC)
Key Transfers Out:
- Sarthak Golui (Contract Terminated)
- Kamaljit Singh (Contract Terminated)
- Mobashir Rahman (Joined Jamshedpur FC)
- Mandar Rao Dessai (End of Contract)
- Felicio Brown Forbes (End of Contract)
- Victor Vazquez (End of Contract)
- Aleksandar Pantic (End of Contract)
- Ajay Chhetri (End of Loan)
East Bengal FC Strengths: Balanced Squad and Attacking Prowess
East Bengal FC boasts a well-rounded squad this season, with strategic signings across key positions. The arrival of ISL top scorer Dimitrios Diamantakos and assist leader Madih Talal significantly boosts their attacking firepower, making their frontline one of the most formidable in the league. Additionally, the inclusion of Indian international Jeakson Singh strengthens the midfield, offering greater control in the center of the park.
With a blend of experienced international players like Hector Yuste and emerging talents such as David Lalhlansanga, the team is well-balanced in attack, midfield, and defense. Under Carles Cuadrat’s tactical guidance, East Bengal FC aims to play fast, attacking football, with a midfield that can dictate play and create opportunities for their potent forward line.
East Bengal FC Weaknesses: Inconsistency and Defensive Concerns
Despite the optimism surrounding their new signings, East Bengal FC’s inconsistency remains a concern. The team’s early setbacks in the Durand Cup and AFC preliminary rounds, including unexpected losses to lower-ranked opponents, highlight vulnerabilities in their defense and ability to close out games.
Injuries have historically derailed their campaigns, and depth in certain positions, particularly at the back, might be tested over the long season. Additionally, while the attack looks promising, over-reliance on key players like Diamantakos and Talal could prove costly if they experience a dip in form or face injuries. Addressing these issues will be critical if East Bengal FC hopes to challenge for ISL dominance this season.
Key Players To Watch
Dimitrios Diamantakos: The Game Changer
The arrival of Dimitrios Diamantakos marks a significant upgrade in East Bengal FC’s forward line. Having netted 13 goals last season for Kerala Blasters FC, Diamantakos secured the ISL Golden Boot, showcasing his lethal finishing ability. His presence not only boosts the club’s scoring threat but also provides a focal point for link-up play with creative players like Talal and Naorem Mahesh Singh.
The Greek forward has already made his mark, scoring on his debut in the Durand Cup and providing assists, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the ISL.
Madih Talal: A Midfield Maestro
French midfielder Madih Talal arrives at East Bengal FC after an outstanding season with Punjab FC, where he topped the assist charts with 10 assists and contributed six goals. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, coupled with his vision and ball control, makes him a crucial playmaker in East Bengal’s midfield setup.
Talal’s versatility also allows him to play as a false nine, offering head coach Carles Cuadrat more tactical flexibility. His performances in the Durand Cup, where he scored and provided an assist, underline his potential to be a game-changer in the ISL.
Preseason Performance: A Promising Yet Mixed Start
Last season saw East Bengal FC demonstrate glimpses of potential, going on a five-match unbeaten run before clinching the Kalinga Super Cup, their first national-stage trophy in over a decade. However, the momentum soon faded. Injuries, the departure of key players, and a lack of consistency saw the club slip down the ISL standings, ending the season in ninth place for the third time in four years.
Despite the disappointing finish, optimism remains high for the upcoming ISL season. With new additions across all departments, East Bengal FC appears better equipped to not only deliver exhilarating performances but also push for a top-six finish and beyond.
However, their pre-season form has been mixed. After an encouraging start with two commanding victories in the Durand Cup, East Bengal faced setbacks, including a defeat to Turkmenistan’s Altyn Asyr in the ACL Two preliminary round and a quarter-final loss to Shillong Lajong in the Durand Cup. Head coach Carles Cuadrat will need to address these issues swiftly as the ISL opener looms.
East Bengal FC Full Squad for ISL 2024-25
Goalkeepers
- Debjit Majumder
- Prabhsukhan Singh Gill
Defenders
- Anisa Anwar Ali
- Gursimrat Singh Gill
- Héctor Yuste Cantón
- Hijazi Maher Saleh Abu Saeed
- Lalchungnunga
- Mark Zothanpuia
- Provat Lakra
Midfielders
- Aman Chama Kuzhiyil
- Jeakson Singh Thounaojam
- Madih Talal
- Mahesh Naorem Singh
- Nandhakumar Sekar
- Saúl Crespo Prieto
- Sayan Banerjee
- Shyamal Besra
- Souvik Alok Chakrabarti
- Tanmay Das
- Vishnu Puthiya Valappill
Forwards
- Cleiton Augusto Oliveira Silva
- David Lalhlansanga Hmar
- Dimitrios Diamantakos
- Jesin Thonikkara
Predicted Best XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Prabhsukhan Gill
Defenders: Nishu Kumar, Hector Yuste , Lalchungnunga , Mark Zothanpuia
Midfielders: Jeakson Singh, Madih Talal, Saul Crespo (Captain)
Wingers: Naorem Mahesh Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar
Striker: Dimitrios Diamantakos
Final Thoughts and Predictions
Carles Cuadrat’s arrival last season sparked optimism, with the team performing well in cup competitions, most notably winning the Kalinga Super Cup. However, translating cup success into ISL consistency remains a challenge. The early exits in the Durand Cup and ACL Two qualifier have put additional pressure on Cuadrat, but his experience and tactical acumen offer hope.
Cuadrat’s ability to integrate new signings and find the right balance between attack and defense will be critical as East Bengal FC seeks to push for a playoff spot.
East Bengal FC begins the season with an away fixture against Bengaluru FC, followed by a challenging encounter against Kerala Blasters FC. Their first home game, a clash with FC Goa on September 27, promises to be a key test of their early-season form. The Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan Super Giant, scheduled for October 19, will be the highlight of their fixture list, offering a chance for East Bengal FC to assert themselves as serious contenders.
East Bengal FC enters the 2024-25 ISL season with renewed hope, a more balanced squad, and high expectations. If the new signings click and key players remain injury-free, the Red and Gold Brigade could finally break their cycle of mid-table finishes and compete for the top honors in Indian football. However, consistency will be key as they look to navigate a demanding fixture list and overcome early setbacks.
When is East Bengal FC’s first match of the ISL 2024-25 season?
East Bengal FC begins the season with an away fixture against Bengaluru FC on 14th September.
