Delhi FC set to sign former East Bengal player Prakash Sarkar

Prakash Sarkar is an East Bengal youth product.

The transfer window is well up and running with Indian clubs busy making moves behind the scenes. I-League outfit Delhi FC are set to complete the signing of former East Bengal defender Prakash Sarkar on a free transfer from Real Kashmir FC on a multi-year contract, Khel Now can confirm. 

“Delhi FC are set to sign defender Prakash Sarkar on a multi-year deal ahead of the 2023-24 season,” a source close to developments informed Khel Now.

About the player

Prakash began his career with the youth side of Pune FC and featured for them at the U-18 I-League in the 2015-16 season. The following season he moved to East Bengal’s youth set-up and again played at the U-18 I-League and won the runners-up medal.

After a series of good performances with the youth side, Prakash was promoted to the first team by the then manager Khalid Jamil. He became a regular for the Red & Gold Brigade as he represented them at the Calcutta Football League, the I-League and also the Super Cup where East Bengal finished as the runners-up.

After Jamil’s departure from East Bengal, things didn't go well for the defender. Spanish head coach Alejandro Menendez did not give him much chances to prove his mettle and as a result Prakash remained on the bench for most part of the season.

In 2019-20, he signed a long-term deal with East Bengal hoping for his fortunes to turn around, but things remained the same. He did not make many appearances that season and was mostly benched as East Bengal finished second in their last I-League season.

After East Bengal’s move to the Indian top flight, Prakash was released by the Red & Golds. He was roped in by another I-League side Real Kashmir FC in 2021 and he was a part of their squad until the end of the 2021-22 season.

He made 13 appearances for the Snow Leopards before making a switch to Bhawanipore FC in the 2022-23 season. 

Delhi FC’s preparations ahead of 2023-24 I-League season

The Delhi based outfit have signed Yan Law as their new head coach ahead of the 2023-24 season. Moreover, the club has also signed Azharuddin Mallick, and Naorem Tondomba Singh. After his loan stint was over at East Bengal, Himanshu Jangra also made way to his parent club.

The club has also retained the services of Suprodip Hazra, Gurtej Singh, Balwant Singh and Timothy Munmun Lagun. With the edition of Prakash in their ranks, Delhi’s backline looks sorted.