East Bengal rope in Venezuelan forward Richard Celis until end of ISL 2024-25 season

East Bengal sit at the 11th spot in the ISL 2024-25 table.

East Bengal FC has announced the signing of Venezuelan international Richard Celis for the remainder of the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) season. The versatile attacker, who can operate both as a left winger and a centre-forward, joins from Venezuelan side Academia Puerto Cabello, where he last played in October 2024.

Welcoming the new signing, Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal from the Emami Group expressed optimism about Celis’ impact on the team. “We are happy to welcome Richard to the team. We hope his talent and goal-scoring prowess will strengthen our attack and help us achieve our goals as we approach the final part of the season,” Agarwal stated.

East Bengal’s head coach, Oscar Bruzon, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing Celis’ alignment with the club’s values. “We expect Richard’s talent, skills, commitment, and determination to embody East Bengal’s ethos. We hope he’ll make a significant impact as we strive for immediate success,” Bruzon said.

Also Read: What does East Bengal need to do in winter transfer window?

Richard Celis’s career in brief

The 28-year-old forward, Richard Celis brings a wealth of experience to the Kolkata-based club. Over a decade-long career, Celis has featured for top clubs in Venezuela, including Atlético Venezuela, Deportivo JBL, Caracas FC, and Academia Puerto Cabello.

He has also played abroad for Millonarios FC in Colombia and FK Senica in Slovakia. Celis boasts an impressive record of over 250 appearances in top-tier club football, scoring crucial goals in domestic leagues and prestigious tournaments like the Copa Libertadores.

On the international stage, Richard Celis has represented Venezuela since 2021. He debuted during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay and later featured in the Copa América, including a group-stage match against Brazil. His experience with the national team further underscores his credentials as a reliable forward.

Reflecting on his move to Indian football, Celis shared his enthusiasm for this new chapter in his career. “I am thrilled to join East Bengal—a club with such a rich history and passionate fans. This is a new challenge for me, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success. Joy East Bengal!”

Richard Celis’ signing adds firepower to East Bengal FC’s attacking lineup as the club pushes for a strong finish to the season and escape the bottom half. They currently sit at the 11th spot with four wins, two draws and eight losses from 14 matches. His registration will be finalized upon the completion of regulatory processes.

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