East Bengal (EB) have almost completed the process of putting together their squad for the upcoming Indian Super League season as the transfer window for the summer break is almost over (ISL). Although they were late to the team building party, the Torchbearers have made some smart moves in the transfer market.
The first two seasons of East Bengal’s participation in the ISL were complete failures, as the club finished 9th and 11th, respectively. As a result, the Red and Gold Brigade will require some preparation both on and off the field in order to compete effectively with the heavyweights.
At a minimum, Stephen Constantine’s team appears to have a roster that strikes a healthy balance between inexperienced players and veterans. East Bengal signed a number of well-known players in preparation for the 2022–23 Indian Super League (ISL) season.
ISL 2022-23: Aniket Jadhav
Also Read: ISL 2022-23: Full Team List
Aniket Jadhav has established himself as one of the most exciting young players in Indian football since his team, Hyderabad FC, triumphed in the ISL championship the previous year. If they can get the signing from him, the red and gold team will be much more confident heading into the new season.
The 22-year-old winger is a hard worker who appeared in 20 games last season, registering two goals and three assists.
Suhair
The man who was born in Palakkad was the shining spark of the NorthEast United FC team in an otherwise forgettable season (NEUFC). VP Suhair was a member of the Highlanders for 19 seasons, during which he scored four goals and contributed two assists.
An ankle injury forced the 29-year-old out of play while playing for East Bengal in the past, with the injury shortening his time with the team. The striker, who once played for NEUFC, will be essential for the Torchbearers now that he has found his form and improved his game overall.
Jordan O’Doherty
The Kolkata giants were able to secure the services of the former midfielder who played for the Newcastle Jets just days before the transfer deadline. Jordan O’Doherty’s main role is as a central midfielder, but he can also play the role of a defensive midfielder or even the number 10 spot.
The 24-year-old will be instrumental in directing the play in midfield due to his ball-handling skills, and age will play on his side in this regard.
cleiton silva
East Bengal have made the right moves to secure the services of the former Bengaluru FC talisman, who is already well established in the ISL. The Blues signed him in the summer of 2020 to take Manu Onwu’s place in the squad. So far in the ISL season, he has appeared in 37 matches and has scored 16 goals.
Cleiton is not a goalscorer in the traditional sense, but he brings a lot of spark and inventiveness in the final third of the pitch and has a powerful shot over him. The Brazilian is also an expert when it comes to playing in scenarios with dead balls.
Ivan Gonzalez
Iván González has already shown that he will not only be the leader in the East Bengal backline, but also the leader both on and off the pitch, even with his brief performances in the Durand Cup. This is something that Iván González has already demonstrated. In the last two years, the Spaniard has been a fundamental piece in the defense that FC Goa has deployed.
During his time with the Gaurs in the Indian Super League, the 32-year-old defender made 138 tackles, 119 clearances and 48 blocks. He appeared in a total of 36 matches.
