East Bengal edging closer to sign Jeakson Singh: Reports
East Bengal have made statement signings ahead of the 2024-25 season. They recently signed last Indian Super League season's top-scorer and Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos and top assist-provider Madih Talal. Furthermore, they acquired the services of Durand Cup 2023's top-scorer David Lalhlansanga. And currently, they are reportedly involved in adding Anwar Ali to their squad.
However, a recent report in Ray Sportz has claimed that East Bengal are closing in on bagging the signature of Kerala Blasters' defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh as well.
The 23-year-old is currently training in Thailand with the Blasters. As per internal sources, Jeakson was previously being poached by two clubs and definitely East Bengal were in the fray. His contract at Kerala Blasters is supposed to end next season and the club had two things in mind - firstly, to extend the midfielder's contract and secondly, to sell him this season itself but for some transfer fee in return.
The report has laid claim that Jeakson Singh is close to signing for the club and might put pen to paper in the next two to three days. East Bengal, as it is, have built a pretty strong contingent, perhaps their best since their inception to the Indian Super League. However, to pull off a title hunt, they need to add one more piece to the puzzle and that's the position of a central defensive midfielder, or a No. 6 if we speak in footballing terms.
Why did East Bengal go after Jeakson Singh?
Notably, East Bengal were initially after Apuia (Lalengmawia Ralte), who ended up signing for their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan. As per our sources, Apuia had made up his mind to sign for Bagan back in May itself. After Apuia put pen to paper at Bagan and the management announced his arrival in June, East Bengal were in dire straits. They had to sign someone who would safeguard the defensive fortress.
Two names were in the minds of the fans - Suresh Singh, who is former student of East Bengal supremo Carles Cuadrat himself, and Jeakson Singh, who is perhaps one of the finest No. 6s in the country alongside the previously mentioned Suresh, and Apuia, who is more of a box-to-box and can impact in both thirds of the pitch. East Bengal chose to go all out for Jeakson Singh.
If everything goes well, then East Bengal will have a strong contingent to boast of. It is important to keep in mind that they will be playing in the AFC Champions League Two alongside the Durand Cup, Indian Super League and the Super Cup.