SC East Bengal complete signing of Indian trio on deadline day

The Red & Gold Brigade made a number of signings on transfer deadline day.

SC East Bengal have roped in young striker Subha Ghosh, winger Romeo Fernandes and defender Sarineo Fernandes, the club announced on Thursday.

Subha Ghosh joins the Red & Gold Brigade after spending half-a-season with Kerala Blasters where he was signed in the January transfer window earlier this year. The 20-year-old from Kolkata shot to prominence after helping Mohun Bagan AC win the 2019-20 I-League, scoring three goals in eight appearances under head coach Kibu Vicuna.

“For a local boy who has grown up watching East Bengal and Mohun Bagan play, it is a always a proud feeling to don their shirts. I cannot express how happy I am after signing for SC East Bengal. I know I can grow here and give my best,” Ghosh said after putting pen to paper for the club.

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“I know how passionate the fans are about this club and what it means to them. Playing for SC East Bengal means a lot of responsibility and I am ready for the challenge. Also, I am looking forward to working with a legend like Robbie Fowler. Being a striker myself, I am sure I will get to learn so much everyday from him,” Ghosh added.

Sarineo Fernandes spent four years with FC Goa having joined them in 2017 from Dempo SC. Donning FC Goa colours, Fernandes bagged the winner’s medals in the Goa Pro League, TACA Goa Championship (GFA U20 Cup) and the Goa Police Cup. The youngster was part of FC Goa’s unbeaten campaign in the Durand Cup in 2019.

“I am absolutely thrilled to join SC East Bengal. It is a dream come true to play for such a big club. Every footballer in India wants to don the red and gold colours and I am glad I got the opportunity,” Fernandes said.

“I will try and give my best every day. I know the fans are very passionate about the club and that adds to the responsibility. I believe I can grow as a player in this club, on and off the field,” added the 22-year old.

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Fernandes began his football career with local Goan side Young Strikers of Benaulim in the GFA U-14 Division in 2013, joining Salgaocar and subsequently Sporting Clube de Goa later. He made his debut in the Goa Professional League with FC Bardez Goa and then joined Dempo SC on loan. Fernandes was then roped in by FC Goa in 2018 and featured for their developmental teams thereafter. Sarineo was promoted to the senior team ahead of ISL 2020-21.

Romeo, 29, was with FC Goa for their maiden AFC Champions League campaign, helping the Gaurs hold Qatari side Al Rayyan to a goalless draw in the team’s opening encounter.

The Assolna-born footballer donned East Bengal colours in 2016-17, on loan from FC Goa. “I can’t express how happy I am. This season is a big challenge for me and I can’t wait to take the field for SC East Bengal. I have played for this club before and I know the passion surrounding this institution,” said Romeo after putting pen to paper for the red and gold brigade.

“Personally and for the team, I have goals in mind and I will give my all in training everyday to realise those goals. I am taking one day at a time now and just keeping my focus intact. I am thankful to the SC East Bengal management for providing me with this opportunity,” added Romeo who set the ISL on fire in his first three seasons with FC Goa.

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Romeo became the first Indian footballer to play professionally in Brazil when he signed for Atlético Paranaense in 2015, riding on his stellar performances in the league.

On his return from Brazil, Romeo was an integral part of the FC Goa side which reached the ISL 2015 final. After making 49 appearances for Goa in the first four seasons, Romeo moved to Delhi Dynamos and later Odisha FC.

Romeo had a memorable time under Brazilian legend and former FC Goa head coach Zico, scoring six of his seven goals and registering seven of nine assists in the ISL over three seasons. SC East Bengal, coached by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, took part in their maiden ISL campaign last time, finishing in ninth place.

SC East Bengal, coached by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, took part in their maiden ISL campaign last time, finishing in ninth place.

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