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Xtra Time Web Desk: French playmaker Madih Talal has officially joined Emami East Bengal FC, signing a two-year contract that extends until the end of the 2025-26 season. Talal, recognized as the top assist provider in the previous Indian Super League (ISL) season, brings his exceptional playmaking skills to the team. He joins forces with ISL 2023-24 Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos, Kalinga Super Cup 2024 top scorer Cleiton Silva, and Durand Cup 2023 Golden Boot winner David Lalhlansanga to further strengthen East Bengal’s attacking lineup.

Welcoming Talal to the Emami East Bengal FC family, Mr. Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group expressed his delight: “Talal was the best playmaker in last season’s ISL, and we are thrilled to have him on board. He will join forces with Diamantakos, Cleiton, David, Mahesh, Nandha, Vishnu, Sayan, and Aman to bolster our attack. We are glad to have secured this crucial deal.”

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Emami East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat praised Talal’s impact: “Talal has been one of the top foreigners to make an impact in their debut ISL season. His talent greatly enhanced his team’s attack, recording the most assists in the league and scoring a good number of goals. After several conversations, Talal prioritized East Bengal over other ISL clubs, recognizing his importance to our new project.”

Since joining Indian football in August last year, Talal played in each of Punjab FC’s 22 ISL and 3 Kalinga Super Cup fixtures, amassing 1,910 minutes of playing time. At 26 years old, Talal contributed either a goal or an assist in 5 of Punjab’s 6 ISL victories last season. Besides scoring 6 goals and setting the record for the most assists (10) in ISL 2023-24, Talal also logged 2 assists in the Kalinga Super Cup. Known for his exceptional ball control and agility, he topped the list for the most dribbles completed (42) and created the second-most chances (57) in ISL 2023-24.

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Before moving to India, Talal played for several European clubs, including France’s Amiens SC, Entente SSG, Red Star FC, and US Avranches, Spain’s Las Rozas CF, and Greece’s A.E. Kifisia.

Expressing his excitement, Talal said, “East Bengal’s contribution to Indian football is immense, and I am honored to commit my future to this legendary club. I am very excited to meet my new teammates and the incredible fans who make this club special.”