I-League 2018/19: East Bengal sign Minerva Punjab forward Gagandeep Bali, retain goalkeeper Ubaid CK
What’s the story?
East Bengal goalkeeper, Ubaid CK has signed a renewal contract with the club. The extension keeps the shot-stopper at the Bengal-based outfit for another couple of years, i.e., till 2020. After recently taking the transfer market by the scruff of its neck, East Bengal have also acquired the services of Minerva Punjab’s star striker, Bali Gagandeep.
In case you didn’t know…
Before joining the Red and Golds on a loan deal from Kerala FC, Ubaid kept goal for the likes of Dempo, Air India, and even ONGC. The 28-year -old has now agreed to sign a 2-year renewal contract with the club.
27-year-old Bali Gagandeep played a crucial role in Minerva Punjab stealing the show during the I-League this season. Before signing for the Rannvijay Singha co-owned club, Bali played for Salgaocar in the Indian League. In the fourteen appearances the striker made for the I-League champions, he scored three goals from the three shots on target he had and assisted three goals alongside.
Heart of the matter
East Bengal have made a dual progress in their transfer activity as goalkeeper Ubaid has signed a 2-year extension with the club, keeping him with the Red and Golds till 2020, and EB have also signed Minerva Punjab’s Bali Gagandeep.
The club has claimed the addition of Gagandeep to the East Bengal squad to be vital. His fitness levels, and ability to convert on opportunities is something that attracted Khalid Jamil’s eye as the all-round player is said to be a great signing for the club.
What’s next?
After parting ways with Minerva Punjab, Bali Gagandeep will be seen flaunting the famous Red and Gold for East Bengal in the upcoming I-League season.
Author’s take
Having lost out on the Indian Super Cup to Bengaluru FC, East Bengal have been on a signing spree the last few days, as they have been involved in heavy transfer activity. It will be interesting to see Bali adapt to Jamil’s tactics, as he takes the stage in Bengal. As for Ubaid, it is always warm and welcoming for fans when a squad member decides to extend their stay at the club, and so, the fans will certainly be pleased by the news.