East Bengal rope in India U-17 goalie Julfikar Gazi

The goalkeeper was part of East Bengal's U-13 squad in 2018-19.

Emami East Bengal FC has roped in India U-17 national team goalkeeper Julfikar Gazi on a multi-year contract.

Welcoming Gazi to the Emami East Bengal family, Mr Sandeep Agrawal of Emami Goup said, “Gazi is one of the most promising goalkeepers in India at the moment. He has been a vital member of the India U-17 squad and his addition testifies to our zeal to promote young talent.”

Commenting on Gazi’s inclusion, Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Emami East Bengal is trying to build a strong talent pipeline for the future and we are glad to include another India U-17 gem in our team, after Guite and Gurnaj. Gazi is a very talented goalkeeper and the watchful supervision of our Goalkeeping Coach Javi Pinillos will ensure his rapid development.”

For Gazi, the move to Emami East Bengal is a homecoming. Hailing from Basirhat, Gazi represented East Bengal U-13 in the 2018-19 edition of the Hero U-13 Youth League under Tarun Dey’s tutelage. In 2019, he joined the Bengal Football Academy before earning his maiden India U-17 call-up in February 2021.

Delighted to return to the Red & Gold camp, the youngster said, “I am excited to return to East Bengal after almost four years. I have been an ardent East Bengal fan since my childhood, and the opportunity of representing this great club again is a dream come true for me. Both Guite and Gurnaj are good friends of mine and I can’t wait to reunite with my India U-17 teammates. I will try to learn as much as possible from my coaches and senior players, and take my game to the next level.”

The 17-year-old was part of India’s triumphant SAFF U-17 Championship squad last year and the Blue Colts’ AFC U-17 Asian Cup campaign earlier this year. He also played a few training matches for the India U-17 team in Spain and Germany ahead of the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The player registration is subject to completion of regulatory processes.