ISL Transfers: East Bengal FC announced on Sunday that they will be signing winger Nandhakumar Sekar on a three-year contract. Sekar was in terrific run with Odisha FC last season and played a pivotal role in their maiden Super Cup triumph, maiden ISL playoff qualification, and their first-ever entry into the AFC Cup.
Carles Cuadrat on Nandha’s addition to their side
East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat believes that Nandha’s addition will bolster his team’s attacking prowess. He said as quoted by ISL, “We are pleased to bring Nandhakumar on board. He is someone who has gradually improved over the years and is currently in the prime phase of his career. He was fantastic last season, in both the Hero ISL and the Super Cup, and played a massive role in Odisha FC’s Super Cup victory. I am sure that he will add a lot of value to our attack.”
The 27-year-old Sekar featured in almost 95% of Odisha’s matches last season and finished with 15+ goal contributions, including 11 goals across all competitions.
In the process, he became the third-highest Indian scorer in Hero ISL 2022-23 and the leading Indian scorer in Hero Super Cup 2023.
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The Salem-based winger registered six goals and one assist in 20 Hero ISL matches last season as the Juggernauts secured a top-six finish and advanced into the playoffs for the first time since their inception.
Nandha’s stellar performance aptly earned him his maiden senior national team call-up for the ongoing Hero Intercontinental Cup and the upcoming SAFF Championship.
Sekar on joining East Bengal FC
For Sekar, who’s ready to embark on his Kolkata sojourn, signing for East Bengal FC is a dream come true. He said, “Every footballer in the country dreams of playing for a big club like East Bengal. I am in that phase of my career where I want to embrace new challenges and take my game to the next level. I scored my first goal in professional football against East Bengal while playing for Chennai City FC in 2017. Now, as I have gotten a chance to represent this historic club, I want to give my best and help my team reach new heights. I can’t wait to wear the Red & Gold jersey and feel the love of the fans.”
Having risen through the youth ranks of the Chennai-based outfit Hindustan Eagles, Nandha made his professional debut with Chennai City FC during the 2017-18 Hero I-League. The following season, the talented winger joined the Delhi Dynamos FC on a one-year loan deal before the franchise relocated its home base to Odisha. During his five-year spell at Odisha FC between 2018 and 2023, Nandha scored 9 goals and made 7 assists in 73 Hero ISL appearances.
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