ISL transfers: FC Goa sign Udanta Singh; East Bengal bring in title-winning defender Nishu Kumar

India winger Udanta Singh has inked a multi-year deal with Indian Super League side FC Goa, the club confirmed on Wednesday. A proven performer in the ISL, Udanta’s arrival further bolsters the Gaurs, who had recently clinched a loan deal with fellow Indian national team star Rowllin Borges ahead of the 2023-24 season. “I’m extremely excited and honoured to become a part of FC Goa. I have always admired the way Goa plays. It always took that bit extra to get over the line whenever we were playing Goa,” Udanta said in a statement issued by the club. “There has been some mutual interest between us for over a year now to work together, and I am very happy that the deal has finally gone through. I believe I have a lot to give, and my dreams are to win many more trophies. I hope that starts here.” Read more: Real Madrid confirm Jude Bellingham signing from Borussia Dortmund in deal worth over $108 million Speaking on the signing, Ravi Puskur, FC Goa’s Director of Football said, “Udanta is a player we have admired for a while now. His direct running with the ball, ability to go past players and his blistering pace are all attributes that we lacked in his position last year. “His arrival at the club signals an opportunity for us to address that weakness and more importantly gives us a player with a winning pedigree and serious experience in the league. I’m confident that together, we can revive each other’s fortunes.” A graduate of the prestigious Tata Football Academy, Udanta spent his entire career till date with Bengaluru FC (BFC), initially in the I-League before the club moved to ISL in 2017-18. Don’t Miss: Lionel Messi says successful FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina was probably his last He has made over 200 appearances for the Blues, across national leagues like the I-League and ISL, the Durand Cup, the Super Cup and the Federation Cup, winning each of these competitions once. The 27-year-old has also made 26 appearances in the AFC Cup. With 22 goals and 22 assists to his name at BFC, the winger is widely recognised as one of their best players of all time. On the international scene, Udanta made his national debut in 2016, and has been a vital part of the national team ever since, earning 36 caps till date. A member of the team for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, the winger has played vital roles in the side’s winning campaigns in the 2018 Intercontinental Cup and 2021 SAFF Championship. East Bengal signs ISL-winning defender Nishu Emami East Bengal on Wednesday announced the signing of former ISL-winning defender Nishu Kumar on a season-long loan from Kerala Blasters FC (KBFC). With the signing, the 25-year-old is all set to reunite with his former Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat with whom they won the 2017 Federation Cup, 2018 Super Cup also the ISL in 2018-19. He was also part of the KBFC squad that finished runners-up in the 2021-22 ISL. A product of AIFF Elite Academy, the Muzaffarnagar-born Nishu is a full-back with the ability of using both feet equally well and has the rare ability to operate on both sides of the pitch. Commenting on Nishu’s move to Emami East Bengal, Debabrata Mukherjee of Emami Group said, “Nishu’s quality, experience and versatility make him a fantastic addition to our squad.” Nishu added: “It’s a matter of great pride for me to join an iconic institution like East Bengal. This club has a huge fan base, which is always a great motivation for a player to give his best. “I am also thrilled to reunite with Carles, who groomed me in my formative years at BFC. We will be playing a lot of matches in the upcoming season and I will give my best in every match and try to bring joy to our fans that they truly deserve.” On Nishu’s singing, East Bengal’s experienced Spanish coach Cuadrat said, “Nishu is a very talented and hardworking player. He has ample ISL experience under his belt, having won the league in 2019 and reached another final in 2022. “It was while playing under me that he got selected for the Indian national team. He is someone who always gives his best effort on the pitch.’ Nishu learnt the rudiments of the game at the Chandigarh Football Academy before joining the AIFF Elite Academy. After helping BFC reach their third consecutive ISL semi-finals in the 2019-20, Nishu signed for KBFC ahead of the 2020-21 season. In the 2022-23 edition of the ISL, Nishu made 17 appearances and registered one assist, 12 interceptions, 22 clearances and 15 successful tackles. Besides, he also played every minute of KBFC’s Super Cup 2023 campaign.Overall, in his 82 ISL matches so far, Nishu boasts of 3 goals, 2 assists, 82 interceptions and 189 clearances. Read all the Latest News, Trending News,  Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.