East Bengal set to sign former Hamburger SV midfielder Matti Steinman

The 25-year-old made 24 appearances for Wellington Phoenix in the A-League last season.

East Bengal are set to sign former Wellington Phoenix midfielder Matti Steinman for the upcoming season of Indian Super League (ISL), Khel Now can confirm.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder hailing from Germany was a regular on the Phoenix team-sheet with 24 appearances last season. The Hamburger SV academu graduate comes with playing experience in the Bundesliga and is expected to add solidity to the Red and Gold's defence.

The Kolkata giants have already added two A-League players in Scott Neville and Aaron Amadi-Holloway to their roster and Steinman is set to be the third and final A-League move for this campaign. Sources close to the developments confirmed that former Brisbane Roar tactician Robbie Fowler once again played a key role in the move, as Matti Steinman had two more years left on his contract but a mutual termination paved the way for the player's move to India.

The 6′2″ former Germany U-19 international possesses great ball control and good long passing. He's also known for his work-rate. Matti Steinman is, thus, all set to make his mark in the Indian top flight in the upcoming season, as he is expected to showcase his skills in the East Bengal midfield.

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Meanwhile, East Bengal have asked several of their domestic players to find new clubs and have also removed them from the pre-season squad. These players include Rino Anto, Cavin Lobo, Girik Khosla, Keegan Pereira and Brandon Vanlalremdika among others. That said, Pintu Mahata has joined Sudeva FC, while Rino Anto has been offered on loan to Gokulam Kerala.

It is understood that head coach Fowler has begun assessing the Indian players that he thinks will fit into his system and thus more outgoings are expected from the remaining lot.