I-League 2020-21: East Bengal all set to sign former Mohun Bagan forward

The global outbreak of COVID 19 has taken a toll on sporting events all around the world and Indian Football is no exception. With a probability of economical setback due to this pandemic, future of Indian Super League still remains uncertain with the transfer windows being affected. However, Kolkata giants East Bengal seem to be one of the most active parties in the transfer market so far.

Earlier this week, the club confirmed the arrival of Indian origin Iranian striker Omid Singh. Now the former Mohun Bagan Star forward Jeje Lalpekhlua has been linked with East Bengal.

The Bridge can confirm that East Bengal is in final stage of their negotiation with the 29-year-old Mizo footballer and if things go right, Jeje is expected to dawn the Red and Gold shirt next season.

Jeje had a great run with the Chennai-based ISL franchise (Image: ISL)

Jeje has formerly played for Mohun Bagan under Sanjoy Sen and he had a key role behind the Mariner’s first I-League triumph. Later on, Jeje had a great run with the Chennai-based ISL franchise when Chennaiyin FCs won the ISL titles in 2015 and 2017-18. He has been one of the most important cards for the “Super Machans” until 2019 when he suffered a blow due to knee injury.

Jeje was ruled out of the 2019-20 season after he went for a surgery in May last year. Thereafter, he has been in regular rehab leading to his optimum fitness and was called up for the national team camp at Bhubaneswar which later got postponed.

The Bridge understands that East Bengal has offered a two-year deal to Jeje and the, latter has agreed to all the terms and set to make a free move with his contract ending with Chennaiyin FC this season. Besides, East Bengal has also approached some other major names of Indian football like Balwant Singh of ATK, Eugensenon Lyngdoh of Bengaluru FC and current I-League Champion Ashutosh Mehta.

It’s not yet officially announced whether East Bengal will take part in the upcoming season of ISL or not. But the activity of the Red and Golds in the current scenario again assures their utter desperation to join the top fleet league of the country after arch rivals Mohun Bagan has stepped in to the same spot.

Also read: What can East Bengal fans expect from Indo-Iranian winger Omid Singh?