East Bengal FC announce new contracts for defenders Nishu Kumar and Mohamad Rakip

East Bengal FC have announced new contracts for their full-backs, Nishu Kumar and Mohamad Rakip. Nishu Kumar, who was on loan from Kerala Blasters FC last season, has signed with the club permanently on a one-year deal. Meanwhile, Rakip has committed to a two-year contract, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Last season, under coach Carles Cuadrat, both full-backs were key players in their respective positions. Rakip, primarily playing on the right, made 28 appearances, while Nishu Kumar, who started most games on the left, featured in 29 matches across all competitions.

Expressing his delight over the extensions, Cuadrat emphasized that both players have the potential for growth and will be instrumental in the club’s ambitions for the upcoming season.

“Rakip and Nishu shone in important moments throughout the season, especially at the Kalinga Super Cup," Cuadrat said. "Rakip was not getting enough playing time here before my arrival. However, he gradually made good use of the chances that I gave him and is a much improved player now. He is still pretty young and we need to give him more opportunities to grow as a player and develop his numbers in both defence and attack.”

“Nishu has gradually been returning to the form that he showed under me at Bengaluru FC and which helped him reach the National Team. He was a key member of our Kalinga Super Cup-winning squad. Nishu not only did well in defence, but also provided assists in crucial games throughout the season. It’s great to retain him for another season,” he added (via East Bengal FC Media).

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East Bengal continue to build a strong squad for the 2024-25 season

East Bengal FC have been very active in the transfer market this season. Despite a few setbacks, they have signed quality players, including last season’s top goal-scorer Dimitrios Diamantakos and the highest assist provider, Madih Talal.

They have also added two promising young talents - Mark Zothapuia, who can play both full-back and midfield, and David Lalhlansanga, who scored 11 goals last season for Mohammedan SC across all competitions.

Additionally, they have extended the contracts of three key foreign players from last season - Cleiton Silva, Hijazi Maher, and Saul Crespo. Further additions are expected, particularly in the midfield, where they are currently lacking in numbers.

The upcoming season will be crucial for East Bengal FC as they return to the continental stage in the AFC Champions League 2, where they will face Turkmenistan club Altyn Asyr in the qualifiers on August 14. Playing in four competitions will certainly be challenging, but the club are investing heavily, intending to compete against the top teams both in the league and in Asia.