Nishu Kumar set to sign for East Bengal

The defender made 17 appearances for Kerala Blasters last season.

East Bengal are all set to welcome full-back Nishu Kumar from Kerala Blasters, Khel Now can confirm. The defender was part of the Blasters since 2020, when he joined the club from Bengaluru FC. He will be now reuniting with his former boss Carles Cuadrat at East Bengal.

A source tracking the move informed Khel Now, "Nishu Kumar had been told by the management that he is not a part of their plans. 2-3 clubs were after Nishu but since Carles Cuadrat had taken charge at East Bengal, it was expected that he'll make his move to Kolkata. Moreover, the full-back is one of Cuadrat's favourites."

"East Bengal, were in search for full-backs. They didn't renew the contract of Jerry Lalrinzuala and signed Harmanjot Khabra a few days back. And this time it's Nishu Kumar who'll add to the ammunition at the club," the source added.

Nishu Kumar's career

Nishu Kumar was a part of Bengaluru FC since 2015. Under many coaches, he shined bright and made himself a prominent name in Indian football. In 2020, he signed a contract with Kerala Blasters. Currently, he was one of the highest-paid Indian players at the club.

The full-back has also donned the national colours at underage levels and once with the senior side, in a friendly against Jordan, where he even bagged one goal.

East Bengal's preparation for the 2023-24 season

East Bengal declared former Bengaluru FC tactician Carles Cuadrat as their new head coach. In terms of foreign signings, the club got their hands on Borja Herrera, Saul Crespo and Javier Siverio, two of whom are young foreigners.

The Red & Golds have also strengthened their Indian contingent, as they extended Lalchungnunga's contract way back in December and brought back former skipper Harmanjot Khabra recently. As per reports, Mandar Rao Dessai should also join the club, despite two other clubs in the race to sign him, including Odisha FC.

East Bengal have let go a total of 11 players including the likes of Jerry Lalrinzuala, Alex Lima, Charalambos Kyriakou and Himanshu Jangra.