Kolkata: Aizawl FC midfielder, Mahmoud al Amna has been roped in by East Bengal as they begun their recruitment drive for the next season.
Whether the Red and Golds will be joining the Indian Super League (ISL) or continue playing in the I-League is still unclear. However, they have already made their intent clear by signing undeniably the best player of the recently concluded league campaign.
After joining the team from Sporting Club de Goa last summer, Al Amna has played a pivotal role in Aizawl’s success.
Despite a number of changes in the coaching staff while keeping the core of squad intact for years, the Kolkata club has not been able to win the national league since 2004. A number of long-time members are set to leave with the new season which is expected to usher in a wholesale change in the squad.
East Bengal has already however, picked up the ‘invitation to bid’ (IBD) document for the ISL.
Whether East Bengal will be playing in the glitzy new league is expected to be confirmed in the next 48 hours. The seasoned Syrian international player has, hence, signed a deal only for the Calcutta Football League(CFL).
The Red & Gold Brigade have also signed Surabuddin Mollick for the Calcutta Football League.