East Bengal sign Rahul Bheke and Bikash Jairu as Biswajit Bhattacharya begins new era

Rahul Bheke playing for Mumbai FC last season, has been signed by East Bengal

East Bengal have confirmed the signing of Rahul Bheke and Bikash Jairu for the 2016 I-League season. These are the first signings made by new manager Biswajit Bhattacharya. East Bengal have already signed up Bello Razaq, the man who handed the 2014 I-League title to bitter rivals Mohun Bagan.

Bheke, is one of the most disciplined players in the I-League having not picked a single yellow in last season’s I-League and only 4 yellow cards in his career so far. He joined Air India at the age of 20 before moving to Mumbai FC via Mumbai Tigers. He scored his first ever goal against Bengaluru FC in the I-League. In signing the 24-year-old, East Bengal have acquired a versatile player who can play in as Centre Back as well as Right Back.

The second signing made by the Red and Gold Brigade is midfielder Bikash Jairu. The 25-year-old has scored six goals in 28 appearances for Salgaocar in two seasons with the club. Playing as a midfielder, he was scouted under the “Search for more Bhaichungs” initiative and found himself at ONGC. He had short spells with Rangdajied United and Mumbai Tigers before signing up with the Goan club.

The exact details of the transfer haven't been released yet, but both deals are thought to be loan deals.

Along with the two signings, Bengal announced that they were retaining the Indian teammates Cavin Lobo and Arnab Mondal along with goal machine Ranti Martins. The club made the announcement through their official facebook account.

Here's an updated list of players that have been signed and retained by the club.NEW SIGNINGSRahul Bheke (pictured)...

Posted by Kingfisher East Bengal FC on Monday, June 22, 2015