East Bengal FC sign India U-23 midfielder Mark Zothanpuia on a three-year contract | ISL 2024-25
On Saturday (June 22), East Bengal FC announced the signing of promising India U-23 international Mark Zothanpuia on a three-year contract, which will keep him at the club until the end of the 2026-27 season. Previously, the 22-year-old served a six-year stint at Hyderabad FC, starting out with their youth side in 2019. The youngster has been known for his versatility across the pitch, having plied his trade both in the midfield and the backline.
Expressing his excitement about joining the Kolkata Giants, Zothanpuia said in a club statement:
“It’s a dream for any young Indian player to play for a big club like East Bengal. Kolkata is the Mecca of Indian football, and I can’t wait to experience the amazing support from the East Bengal fans. I am grateful to Coach Carles and the Emami East Bengal management for showing faith in me.”
"Will give him the right environment to ensure his growth" - Carles Cuadrat on Mark Zothanpuia's signing
A native of Mizoram, Zothanpuia began his career with FC Pune City’s youth team before joining the Nizams, where he rose through the ranks and was promoted to their first team in the 2020-21 season.
However, it wasn't until December 2021 that the midfielder made his ISL debut. Zothanpuia made occasional appearances over the past two seasons before becoming a regular starter in 2023-24. Primarily a midfielder, he adapted to the left-back position and soon after, earned a spot in the India U-23 squad for friendlies against Malaysia in March this year.
Carles Cuadrat took note of Mark's versatility. East Bengal have lacked quality options when it comes to utility players, but they might finally have one worth the wait.
“Mark is a young player with excellent qualities. His versatility will allow us to consider him for different roles to help the team. He has gained a decent amount of ISL experience and is joining Emami East Bengal at the right phase of his career, to reach the next level as a player. We’ll give him the right environment to ensure his growth and success,” Cuadrat averred in a club statement.
Meanwhile, Zothanpuia finished the 2023-24 ISL season with an assist, 81% passing accuracy, 23 key passes, 73 successful duels, 95 recoveries, 20 interceptions, 26 clearances, and 24 chances created in 18 appearances. At 22, there's ample scope for him to improve on these numbers, and further strengthen East Bengal's squad.