Former Minerva Punjab midfielder Kassim Aidara officially signed for East Bengal on Thursday evening.
The Senegalese midfielder who was doubtful for Friday’s Calcutta Football League (CFL) season opener against Tollygunge Agragami as the club had not received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from his former employers.
On Thursday evening after a meeting by the board of directors, board member and senior official Debabrata Sarkar said that they have finally received the clearance from Minerva and Aidara signed on the dotted line.
Kassim Aidara was the captain of Minerva Punjab last season and under his leadership, the club scripted history by winning their maiden I-League trophy.
Now as the midfielder has officially completed his move, he is likely to start for the club against Tollygunge in CFL on Friday.
Debabrata Sarkar also mentioned that they have shortlisted a new foreign striker and the club is in talks with the players’ club. He said, “We have shortlisted a foreign striker. I cannot reveal his identity, we are in talks with the player’s current club and a decision will be taken shortly.”
East Bengal currently have three foreign players in their squad - Kassim Aidara, Mahmoud Al Amna and Costa Rican World Cupper Johnny Acosta. Acosta was a part of his national side in the 2018 World Cup.
On Acosta’s move, Sarkar mentioned, “Acosta’s formalities have been completed. We will soon book his tickets to Kolkata.”
