Ex-FC Goa defender Ivan Gonzalez signs pre-contract with East Bengal

The 32-year-old Spanish centre-back was one of the four captains for FC Goa last season.

In an official press release this evening, East Bengal announced the signature of Spanish defender Ivan Gonzalez. Gonzalez’s contract with FC Goa will be coming to an end in May.

The release read, “32-year-old Spanish centre-back Ivan Gonzalez has signed a pre-contract with East Bengal on a two-year deal”. In the process, Gonzalez becomes the first foreigner to sign for the club ahead of the upcoming 2022/23 season.

About the player

In 2020, Ivan Gonzalez arrived in India to don the FC Goa shirt. The defender played 36 matches in the Indian Super League for the Gaurs in the last two seasons and has three goals and two assists to his name. He had also featured five times in the AFC Champions League games for FC Goa. Last season, he was one of the FC Goa captains as well.

In his career, the Spaniard has played for clubs like Cultural Leonesa, Racing Ferrol, UB Conquense and Deportivo B. He was also a part of the Real Madrid C team. A defender with immense skills, Gonzalez is the perfect leader East Bengal could have desired. Moreover, he will also remain as one of the potentials to wear the armband for the Red & Gold Brigade.

East Bengal’s preparations for ISL 2022/23

East Bengal have recently parted ways with their investor Shree Cement and are in search of a new one. Meanwhile, the club officials have signed pre-contracts with players like Aditya Patra, Suryash Jaiswal, Dip Saha, Mahitosh Roy and Nabi Hussain Khan for the upcoming season.

A few days ago, the club announced another signature, Mohammed Rakip. As per sources, East Bengal have offered pre-contracts to many footballers across the country. After the announcement of their new investor, they will turn their focus on the announcement of the players. The last two seasons are those to be forgotten by a club of this stature. They are aiming to build a side stronger than the previous season.