Exclusive: Punjab FC set to sign Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Vidal ahead of ISL 2024-25 season
After securing the services of Filip Mrzljak and re-signing Luka Majcen ahead of the ISL 2024-25 season, Punjab FC are set to further strengthen their foreign contingent with the addition of Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Vidal, a source close to the proceedings informed Sportskeeda.
The Shers made an impressive debut in the top-tier league in the previous season, finishing eighth ahead of heavyweights like East Bengal and Bengaluru FC. However, Punjab planned for a complete overhaul in the summer, as they parted ways with their entire foreign contingent, only for them to re-sign Majcen a month later.
But the aim remains to focus on bringing fresh profiles to the league and it started with the signing of Mrzljak. Now, they're inching closer to making another interesting addition to their overseas department with Vidal.
"The deal is not yet complete but Punjab are now close to signing Ezequiel Vidal for the upcoming season," the source said.
Who is Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Vidal, who is set to join Punjab FC?
An out-and-out attacking midfielder, Ezequiel Vidal started at the youth academy of his hometown club Olimpo. Although he was promoted to the senior team in 2011, Vidal didn't make his professional debut until May 2013 against San Lorenzo. He made a handful of appearances for the club in the 2014-15 season, and subsequently signed for fellow Argentine Primera Division team Independiente on loan.
After a season on loan, he returned to Olimpo but was yet again moved out to Ecuadorian Serie A club Delfín, where he made twenty appearances, contributing to the team’s ninth-place finish. Returning to Olimpo, he made six more appearances in the 2016–17 season before again going on loan to Juventud in the Uruguayan Primera División next summer.
Ultimately, after subsequent loan spells, and a few underwhelming seasons, Vidal departed his childhood club in 2019 and went on to sign for San Martín SJ, followed by a stint at Alvarado, where he showcased his scoring ability with five goals in 37 matches.
Most recently, the 28-year-old was plying his trade at Persita, in Indonesian Liga 1, where made a significant impact, netting 17 goals and assisting 13 times in 60 appearances over two seasons.
What can Punjab FC fans expect? Well, Ezequiel's profile is quite versatile as he can operate both as an attacking midfielder and a winger. With a 5-foot-6 diminutive but bullish frame, he relies on his low center of gravity and quick feet to outmaneuver defenders. The Argentine's late runs into the area and a wicked left foot will also produce ample opportunity to pick up goals.
Once the club secures Vidal's signature, Punjab is expected to make another attacking addition. But for now, they are steadily building up for their second season in the ISL.