East Bengal sign experienced Spanish striker Marcos Jimenez de la Espada

The forward adds further firepower upfront for the Red and Gold ahead of the new I-League season.

Last season's I-League runners-up, East Bengal have roped in Spanish striker Marcos Jimenez de la Espada Martin for the upcoming campaign.

Since the departure of Mexican frontman Enrique Esqueda, the Red and Gold have lacked a proper striker upfront. Hence, the 33-year-old former Gimnastic and Mallorca B forward has joined the fold and his inclusion will be a huge boost for Alejandro Menendez's men in their season ahead.

Espada made his senior debut with Tercera Division club Constancia way back in 2004-05 and stayed at the same level, representing clubs like Mallorca B and Sant Andreu.

He then joined Orihuela in the same division on loan, followed by Sporting Mahones. The striker joined Gimnastic back in 2012, where he enjoyed his most successful stint in his native. He scored 17 goals in his debut season with Gimnastic. The forward was part of the squad when they gained promotion to the Segunda Division back in 2015 and he stayed with the club for another campaign, scoring four goals.

He revived his career in Hong Kong joining Premier League side Kitchee FC. He also had a stint with another Hong Kong outfit in Southern District, before returning to Spanish Segunda Division side Atletico Baleares last season.

Espada is physically well-built and can be a nightmare for opposition defenders. He is excellent in the air and equally astute with his movement and agility. His goalscoring ratio suggests that he will be the man leading the line for the Red and Gold and along with his compatriot Jaime Colado and the talented Indian players like Pintu Mahata, Ronaldo Oliveira, Vidyasagar Singh, East Bengal are definitely a force to be reckoned with.

The 33-year-old has experience of playing in Asia, which will help him adapt to the climate of the subcontinent and his inclusion will add more dynamism to the Kolkata outfit.

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The former Real Madrid Castilla manager will be hoping that Espada joins with the team soon and can replicate the aura which Enrique Esqueda brought to the table last season. Also, being a senior and experienced player he will be expected to help the youngsters to sharpen their skills.

East Bengal have started their campaign very brightly with two wins in the Durand Cup against Army Red and Jamshedpur FC. With the Calcutta Football League also underway the tactician has made it clear that his prime focus is on winning the I-League and the Super Cup this season.