I-League: East Bengal sign Salam Ranjan Singh and Gabriel Fernandez, retain Luis Barreto

The Red and Gold Brigade have made two more additions to their squad for the upcoming 2017/18 season. They have retained goalkeeper Luis Barreto...

Kolkata and Indian football giants East Bengal have roped in two players to bolster their squad for the upcoming 2017/18 season.

Promising Indian defender Salam Ranjan Singh from Bengaluru FC and Churchill Brothers winger Gabriel Fernandez will don the Red and Gold jersey this season. Goan goalkeeper Luis Barreto has decided to extend his contract with the club for one more season. Barreto had joined the club in 2014. This will be his fourth season with the Kolkata side.

21-year-old Salam Ranjan Singh was highly impressive last season under the tutelage of Bengaluru FC manager Albert Roca. He played a crucial role in the club’s journey in the AFC Cup 2016.

Article continues below

Also read | Mohun Bagan sign Ansumana Kromah and Kamo Bayi

Salam Ranjan will add great value to the East Bengal side who are overhauling their squad completely. Defence was a huge concern for the Red and Gold last season. The youngster, who can play both centre and right-back will bring great versatility in their team.

Gabriel Fernandez, on the other hand, is a seasoned Indian footballer who has experience of playing football for some of the top sides in the country. The winger has represented all the big I-League clubs from Goa, and has also plied his trade with Indian Super League sides FC Goa and Mumbai City FC.

Read | All you need to know about Brazil U17 team

East Bengal’s newly appointed coach Khalid Jamil’s style of football demands pacy wingers and Gabriel perfectly fits into the style. The Kolkata giants have already made some crucial signings this season, most notable being Mahmoud Al Amnah from Aizawl FC, the talisman who played a crucial role in the club’s fairytale season.

Both East Bengal and Mohun Bagan will be playing the I-League this time. Needless to say that this two sides will be the strongest in the competition especially after the exit of Bengaluru FC. The club management are keeping no stones unturned as they look forward to win the coveted league after a gap of 14 years.

Editors' Picks