Spanish midfielder Fran Sota joins SC East Bengal on short-term deal

The 31-year-old replaces Amir Dervisevic who has left the club.

Like Khel Now had confirmed earlier, SC East Bengal have announced the signing of versatile Spanish midfielder Fran José Sota on a short-term deal that will see him turn out for the Red-&-Gold Brigade till the end of the Indian Super League 2021-22 season.

Fran Sota will replace Slovenian midfielder Amir Dervisevic to complete the club's quota of six foreign players. The Kolkata side earlier signed Brazilian striker Marcelo Ribeiro dos Santos in the January transfer window to replace Daniel Chima Chukwu, who jumped ship to fellow Indian Super League team Jamshedpur FC.

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"I am very happy to join SC East Bengal. It is a big club in India and I know about its history and massive fanbase. I am looking forward to helping the team do well with my experience and knowledge about the game," said Sota, 31, after joining the ranks.

Sota began his career with Osasuna, playing in their youth team. He has plied his trade for lower-division Spanish teams which include Pena Sports FC, CD Varea, SD Logrones, SD Leioa, and CD Tropezon.

Fran Sota can play both in No. 8 and No. 10 positions, and has the ability to both spray passes across the park and assist the striker from the hole.

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"He is a very good footballer with experience in playing in some good teams in Spain. He should add to our options in the midfield, and I am looking forward to having him in the mix," said head coach Mario Rivera.

SC East Bengal in ISL 2021-22

SC East Bengal are currently at the bottom of the points table with only one win in 13 games. They have nine points so far and were thrashed 0-4 by Hyderabad FC in their last outing in ISL 2021-22. Mario Rivera-coached side's only win came against FC Goa two matches ago, in what the first game in charge for Rivera. The Red and Golds next take on ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby on Saturday.

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