Bengaluru FC unveil 6 new signings including Rahul Bheke and Edgar Mendez
Bengaluru FC (BFC) returned to pre-season training at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Sunday, July 7, with several supporters in attendance. In preparation for the 2024-25 season, the Blues announced the addition of six new players, including former ISL winner with the club, Rahul Bheke, and Mumbai City FC duo Alberto Noguera and Jorge Pereyra Diaz.
Bheke, who recently played for the Indian national team, joins Bengaluru FC after guiding Mumbai City to another ISL Cup. During his three seasons with the Islanders, where he captained the team, Bheke made 78 appearances, scored three goals, and won both the ISL Shield and the ISL Cup.
The 33-year-old is a fan favorite in Bengaluru, having scored the decisive goal in the 2019 final against FC Goa that secured the club’s only ISL title to date. He was warmly welcomed by the supporters as he prepares to lead BFC’s defensive line for the upcoming campaign.
In an interview in front of the supporters, Bheke expressed his delight at rejoining the Blues after a successful four-year stint from 2017 to 2021.
"It’s an incredible feeling for me. I’ve said before that these are the best fans in the country and I’m really glad to be back in front of them and to represent Bengaluru FC. I have great memories of my time here from my previous stint, and I am looking forward to creating more such moments,” said Bheke (via Bengaluru FC Media).
Bengaluru FC also bolstered their squad with the addition of two of Bheke’s Mumbai City teammates, Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Alberto Noguera. Both are expected to join the team soon, pending documentation that will allow their travel to India.
Pereyra Diaz, who scored 27 goals for the Islanders over two seasons, has been one of the ISL’s top strikers and will add a significant attacking threat to BFC. Noguera, with plenty of experience in India from his time with FC Goa and Mumbai City FC, arrives to replace Javi Hernandez.
Spanish attacker Edgar Mendez signs for Bengaluru FC
Among the notable signings, BFC also announced the arrival of Edgar Mendez, who brings a stellar reputation from his time in Spain and Mexico.
The Spaniard, who usually plays on the flanks, began his career with Real Madrid and has since played for several La Liga and Segunda Division clubs. He joins Bengaluru after a successful stint with Mexican clubs Cruz Azul and Necaxa.
In an interview with BFC media following his announcement, Mendez said:
“I’m really glad to have signed for a club like Bengaluru FC, and to be introduced in such a fashion in front of - what I’ve been told are some of the best supporters in this country. I’m really looking forward to pre-season and the season to come. I hope to be able to contribute in the best possible way."
Other new arrivals included Punjab FC’s left-back Mohamed Salah, who arrives on the back of a successful season in the ISL and former BFC keeper Lalthuammawia Ralte, who has re-joined the club after a two-year spell at Odisha FC.
Head coach Gerard Zaragoza, who had a promising start to his ISL coaching career in the latter half of last season, expressed optimism for the upcoming season with the addition of several quality players. Bengaluru FC will now train for the next three weeks in preparation for their Durand Cup campaign, which begins on July 27.