Madih Talal agrees two-year deal with East Bengal; major part of medicals completed

Madih Talal wished to stay in India following his conclusion of his current deal at Punjab FC.

Kolkata Giants East Bengal FC have started preparing for the next season and the club is set to rope in Madih Talal on a two-year pre-contract deal, Khel Now can exclusively confirm. The French midfielder has  partially completed his medical with East Bengal FC in the ongoing international break. The former Amiens FC player has been the kingpin of Punjab FC’s change of fortunes in the second half of the ISL season.

Madih Talal has scored four goals and provided eight assists for the newly promoted Punjab FC side. Following his good performances in his debut season in India, multiple ISL clubs approached Talal for his signature. However, East Bengal’s proposal and project was very alluring for the 27-year-old as it had the possibility of playing in the AFC competitions.

Interested clubs

There were multiple ISL clubs interested in signing Madih Talal but only three clubs had offered contract proposals to the player. Madih wanted to stay in India, as confirmed by the sources close to the development. Moreover, in the exclusive interview with Khel Now earlier in the season, Talal confessed his desire to stay in India. “I have heard good things about India and Indian football and I am willing to contribute more to the country’s sport for many years.”

Chennaiyin FC was the first club to approach but the player and the club could not come on the same page to ink the deal. Bengaluru FC too, offered him a contract and tried their best to secure his services. Bengaluru FC are planning for a total revamp for foreigners and wanted Talal to be one of the first foreign signings. However, it was East Bengal who snapped him up after head coach Carles Cuadrat entered the fray to play a crucial role in making sure that Talal signs a two-year deal.   

Sources to the development informed Khel Now, “Madih has signed a two years deal with East Bengal  following Carles Cuadrat’s personal influence on the deal. Carles wanted Talal to sign the deal knowing that other clubs too are interested in him and the quality of Talal is not to be missed out.”

Punjab FC’s season

Punjab FC are currently fighting for a playoff spot and find themselves in a precious sixth position and would need all the permutations to go their way until the end of the league stage to qualify for the playoffs and Madih Talal will want to finish the season on a high.   

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.