Emami East Bengal FC has announced a significant acquisition, securing a four-year contract with Indian national team midfielder Jeakson Singh Thounaojam from Kerala Blasters FC for an undisclosed amount. Emami Group’s Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal expressed excitement and said: “Jeakson is one of the finest midfielders in the country and an integral part of the Indian national team. He is very competitive and eager to play in front of our passionate fans and give his all for the East Bengal badge. Credit goes to our technical team for making this deal happen.”
Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said: “Jeakson is a national team player who will be an important component of our midfield. We had a very fruitful conversation where we both discussed what the movement could mean for his career and our club. He is ready to accept a challenge that can make him one of the leaders of the team for the future.”
Jeakson, a Manipur native, has been a crucial presence in the Indian national team’s midfield for the past three years. The 23-year-old defensive midfielder has made 22 appearances for India, contributing significantly to their victories in the SAFF Championship (2021, 2023), Tri-Nation Series (2023), and Intercontinental Cup (2023). Known as India’s first scorer at a FIFA World Cup (U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017), Jeakson developed his skills at the Chandigarh Football Academy and Minerva Academy before joining Kerala Blasters in the 2018-19 season. He also had loan spells with Indian Arrows to gain top-flight experience.
Jeakson’s tenure with Kerala Blasters includes 78 Indian Super League matches, during which he recorded 2 goals, 2 assists, an 82% passing accuracy, 274 successful duels, 84 successful aerial duels, 405 recoveries, 102 interceptions, and 62 clearances.
Expressing his excitement about joining Emami East Bengal FC, Jeakson stated: “I am honoured and thrilled to join this historic club. The unwavering support and energy of the East Bengal fans are truly inspiring and I look forward to contributing to its rich legacy and giving my best on and off the field for them. Together, we will achieve great things and create unforgettable memories in the days to come!” The player registration will be finalised pending regulatory processes.
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On the other hand, In the Indian Super League, anticipation is mounting as midfielder Greg Stewart joins the Mohun Bagan Super Giants, with Spanish coach Molina bolstering the attacking lineup. The Scottish player, renowned for his achievements, will address the midfield needs of the Green and Maroons. His entry marks a new chapter in Indian football history. Known for his skills in passing, tackling, and scoring, Stewart has established himself firmly in the sport.
The ISL Shield-winning player brings his aggressive mindset to the midfield and forward lines of Mohun Bagan. Preparations for the league’s historic commencement on July 29th are in full swing. Stewart is set to begin training with the team on July 28th, alongside players like Jason Cummins, Liston, and Manvir Singh.
Having transferred from Scottish club Kilmarnock, Stewart’s signing is a significant move by the club’s management. He expressed his enthusiasm about joining the historic club and performing in front of the dedicated fans. For Jamshedpur FC, he won 1 ISL Shield, and for Mumbai City FC, won 1 Shield and 1 ISL Cup. Not only scoring goals, his main attribution has been helping others to score goals along with some vicious freekicks from tough angles or positions in crunch situations of the games.
Stewart remarked, “Fulfilling my dream of playing football in Kolkata, the Mecca of Indian football, is a great honour. I have played in many stadiums and environments, won many titles, and became a champion. But nothing matches the thrill of playing for such a historic and prestigious club. I am grateful to the team management for giving me this opportunity. Kolkata’s supporters are the best in India, and I cannot wait to show my dedication to them. My goal is to win the ISL title for the club and make the supporters proud. This dream cannot be realized with any other club. I returned to India to win the championship.”
“Another reason for signing with Mohun Bagan is to play against East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby, one of Asia’s biggest matches. Playing in this match has been a dream for a long time. Although many tough matches are ahead in India, nothing compares to the Derby. I am prepared to give my best in training,” he concluded.
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