Xtra Time Web Desk: Emami East Bengal FC on Saturday announced the signing of Spanish footballers Javier Siverio and Saul Crespo on free transfers for the upcoming season. Forward Siverio helped Hyderabad FC (HFC) win their maiden Hero ISL title in his debut season (2021-22) in India. The 25-year-old graduated from the UD Las Palmas academy in 2015 and represented Spanish teams such as Las Palmas B, Racing Santander B and Racing Santander before moving to HFC ahead of the 2021-22 season. He has 12 goals to his name in 45 Hero ISL appearances.
Head Coach Carles Cuadrat highlighted the skillsets of these young Spaniards, saying, “Siverio has been a fine goal-getter ever since he arrived in India. He has adapted himself to the rigors of the ISL after two years of playing here. I believe he will help to bolster our attack significantly. Saul, too, knows the competitiveness of the ISL and has played a key part in the midfield, which helped Odisha FC win the Super Cup. Both have excellent work-rates and the right attitude to take the club forward.”
Siverio, who scored 9 times for HFC across all competitions last season, expressed his excitement at joining Emami East Bengal, said, “It’s an honour for me to join this century-old club. India is a great country and I am thrilled to continue my journey in the ISL. I really admire the vision of Coach Carles and the investors for taking this club forward. I’ll try to repose the management’s faith by scoring plenty of goals for the Red & Gold brigade. I’ve seen how passionate the East Bengal fans are and I can’t wait to see them fill the Salt Lake Stadium.”
Central midfielder Saul played a pivotal role in OFC’s maiden Hero ISL playoff qualification and recent Hero Super Cup triumph. Born in Ponferrada, Saul played for Spanish clubs like Ponferradina, Atletico Astorga and Arandina before making his foray into the Hero ISL last year. The 26-year-old played 2,054 minutes and bagged 3 goals and 2 assists in 26 matches across all tournaments last season.
On joining Emami East Bengal, Saul said, “When I learnt that East Bengal was interested in me, I didn’t hesitate to join them. They are one of the biggest clubs in India with the best fans. I watched the Kolkata Derby last year and was very impressed. I really want to play in this team and help them win as many games as possible.”