SC East Bengal set to sign Sarthak Golui, Sourav Das from Mumbai City

Both players have struggled for game time this season in the ISL.

Indian Super League (ISL) outfit SC East Bengal are close to completing the signings of Mumbai City FC duo Sarthak Golui and Sourav Das, Khel Now has learned. The Kolkata giants have agreed terms on a deal till the end of the ongoing 2020-21 season with both players.

"SC East Bengal are all set to sign Sarthak Golui and Sourav Das from Mumbai City FC," a source close to the developments informed. As both players are currently on a contract with the Islanders till June 2022, they will join the Red and Gold Brigade on a short-term contract till the end of this season."

Golui, who is also an India international, has struggled for game time under head coach Sergio Lobera in their ongoing league campaign. He has clocked just 205 minutes from four matches and has also received three bookings.

The right-back who has plied his trade for the AIFF Elite Academy, Mohun Bagan and FC Pune City joined Mumbai City ahead of the 2019-20 season. He went on to make 13 ISL appearances that year and also scored his maiden goal in a 4-2 defeat to FC Goa. Primarily a right-back, the 23-year-old has occasionally proved his mettle as a centre-back as well.

Das, on the other hand, is yet to make his first start for the club this season, having featured in just one game so far. The 24-year-old midfielder was an important part of Mohun Bagan in the 2018-19 season as they went on to lift the Calcutta Football League (CFL) title. He also played in 11 I-League matches that season before shifting to Mumbai. In the 2019-20 season, Das appeared in seven ISL games for the Islanders.

In the ongoing campaign, he came on as a substitute just before the final whistle in the narrow 1-0 win against FC Goa on November 25. He has not played a single minute in the league since then and it is expected that he is also moving to East Bengal in search of better opportunities.

Mumbai City currently lead the ISL standings with 30 points from 14 matches (nine wins, three draws, two defeats). At the same time, SC East Bengal are nearly on the opposite end of the spectrum, at a lowly tenth place with just 13 points from the same number of games. Having made their entry into the ISL, the team from Kolkata have managed just two wins, while drawing seven and losing the remaining five matches.

The addition of Golui and Das could bring about a change in their fortunes, as it offers head coach Robbie Fowler a couple of extra options to choose from in midfield and defence.

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