East Bengal's all transfers completed so far in 2024-25 summer window

Published at :August 17, 2024 at 6:21 PM

Modified at :August 17, 2024 at 6:21 PM

East Bengal got their hands on silverware after a 12-year wait but much is yet to be done.

East Bengal fans cried tears of joy as after years of disheartening exits their side showcased resilience and lifted the Kalinga Super Cup in 2024. However, much still needs to be changed at the club which has failed to triumph elsewhere.

For a club of the Torchbearers’ status, a trophy and a Durand Cup final appearance aren’t enough. Ever since they entered into the Indian Super League (ISL), East Bengal have barely managed to scrape through with three 9th-place finishes and one at 11th place.

That of course, has changed with Carles Cuadrat’s entry as he has led them to the Indian Super Cup this year and consequentially, a place in the AFC Champions League 2 2024-25 preliminary stages. Cuadrat managed to get his squad to attain six wins and six draws each, bettering their previous tallies in the ISL.

This season, the manager has overseen a few more changes, with the incomings being better suited to his playstyle and philosophy. Here are all the transfers completed by East Bengal so far in the 2024-25 summer window.

Incomings

Dimitrios Diamantakos

The first of many! 🔥#JoyEastBengal #IndianOilDurandCup2024 pic.twitter.com/qptUjiU1Pt
— East Bengal FC (@eastbengal_fc) August 5, 2024

For a player who made his debut only in 2022, Diamantakos has had an insane yield in terms of goals and assists. The Greek striker has got his hands on a whopping 23 goals and six assists in only 38 appearances.

Diamantakos is one of the most clinical finishers the league has seen lately and has every dimension of a complete center-forward etched in him; be it hold-up play, first touch, positioning, pace, dribbling, or shooting. The flexible attacker is well-equipped to be Cuadrat’s perfect player to lead the offense.

Madih Talal

Midfielder Madih Talal shook up the league as a debutant last season, with multiple clubs turning their attention towards him. The French mezzala racked up an impressive six goals and a staggering 10 assists (highest in the league) in just 22 appearances for his former employers.

East Bengal were fortunate to land the talented midfielder’s signature, and he is bound to find himself in the thick of things while improving his previous tally.

Hector Yuste

The Spanish centre-back was roped in expertly by the vigilant Red and Gold Brigade. Yuste plied his trade for crosstown rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant, but the ragtag hard-tackler was released ahead of ISL 2024-25 with Alberto Rodriguez and Tom Aldred replacing him and Brendan Hamill.

The club decided to make the most of the opportunity on the back of a legal complication involving the signing of another former Mariners’ centre-half, Anwar Ali.

Anwar Ali

After much deliberation with the AIFF Players’ Status Department, the ball-playing centre-back was cleared to join the Red and Gold Brigade. Anwar Ali will be a vital addition to Cuadrat’s Indian contingent as he’s one of the few attack-minded centre-halves in the league and is a threat from both set pieces and long distance.

He can be relied on to not only stop attackers with his pace and anticipation but threaten the goal directly with shots and defence-splitting passes that break opposition lines.

Nishu Kumar

Nishu Kumar’s versatility in the fullback role convinced East Bengal to convert his loan move to a permanent one. Last season his attacking output improved as well, since he had three assists by the end of the campaign.

David Lalhlansanga

The Manipuri centre-forward rocked last year’s Durand Cup and finished as joint topscorer alongside Noah Sadaoui with six goals. He maintained the same form in the I-League with five goals and two assists as his side, Mohammedan SC, clinched the trophy.

East Bengal kept an eye on the 22-year-old and signed him as soon as the transfer window opened.

Provat Lakra

Although not as prominent as the other signings, Provat Lakra is a solid defensive signing who can be relied on regularly. The 26-year-old defender won 60 duels and made 30 interceptions last season for Jamshedpur FC.

Mark Zothanpuia

The tenacious midfielder left Hyderabad FC for a shot at gaining more experience and finding more game time. The manager will likely test out Zothanpuia in the Durand Cup and let him find his synergy with his teammates before fielding him in the Indian Super League.

Debjit Majumder

Lovingly called “Savejit” by fans in Kolkata, Debjit Majumder is a solid rotational option for first choice shot-stopper Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. With his enormous experience in the league, Debjit can be expected to pitch in during crunch schedules and see-through results.

Jeakson Singh

Carles Cuadrat’s focus on building a talented and hard-working midfield is exemplified by the signing of Jeakson. The former Kerala Blasters defensive midfielder is one of the best young players in his position in the league at the moment.

Jeakson, under the proper guidance, can blossom into a proper regista/destroyer combo that can prove to be decisive for the Torchbearers.

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Outgoings

Javi Siverio

Despite scoring for them in the Durand Cup and Super Cup, Siverio spent most of his tenure away on loan to Jamshedpur FC. The Spaniard was sold to the Red Miners as his services were better suited to them.

Borja Herrera

The Spanish midfielder also spent a good half of his season away at FC Goa and like Siverio had a better output while away. For the Red and Gold Brigade, Herrera scored once and assisted twice while for the Gaurs he had the same tally with a goal more.

FC Goa decided he was tailored to their needs and he was nailed down with a permanent move.

Felicio Brown

Costa Rican striker Felicio Brown didn’t fit the bill at the club as he scored only once in 11 appearances. The forward left East Bengal for Muangthong United in this transfer window.

Alexander Pantic

Pantic had an underwhelming spree at East Bengal and only played eight games before he was axed this season. The defender had a few good moments but couldn’t get into the starting eleven.

Victor Vazquez

Former Club Brugge and Toronto FC player Victor Vazquez couldn’t exactly adjust to life in the Indian Super League. The attacking midfielder assisted once in the 4-2 victory over Kerala Blasters but didn’t do much otherwise and was released.

Jose Antonio Pardo

The Spanish centre-back’s discipline made him an unreliable choice as he garnered four yellow cards in 11 league appearances. Jose Pardo did, however, feature in the Super Cup and help East Bengal en route to their trophy before leaving the club.

Mandar Rao Dessai

Former Mumbai City and FC Goa captain Mandar Rao Dessai played a majority of the campaign with 24 appearances and one assist. However, with the arrival of Provat Lakra and Nishu Kumar’s signing, it was evident that the club would be prioritizing younger players more over veterans. Subsequently, Mandar joined Chennaiyin FC for more game time.

Mobashir Rehman

Mobashir didn’t feature much for the Red and Gold Brigade last season with only 12 appearances. The Indian midfielder was away on loan last season and was sold to Jamshedpur on a permanent transfer this year.

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