Kolkata: Bengaluru FC have announced the signing of former East Bengal defender Sarthak Golui on Monday. The AIFF Elite Academy graduate penned a two-year deal with the former ISL Champions.
The 23-year-old started his professional career with Mohun Bagan before beginning his ISL career with Mumbai City. He then moved to FC Pune City and ultimately East Bengal the last season.
“I am very excited to be joining Bengaluru FC. To be part of a club that has been so successful brings with it a huge responsibility, and I hope I can fulfill all the expectations the club and its fans have from me,” Sarthak stated after signing with the Blues.
“The move is a big challenge for me and I will be giving my all every single day. The management and the coach have shown faith in bringing me to this club and I want to repay it. This move will also give me a chance to learn from experienced players like Sunil bhai and Gurpreet bhai, and I am looking forward to meeting all my teammates soon.”
Head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli was excited with the signing. “I would like to welcome Sarthak to Bengaluru FC. He is a versatile player who can fill in at both right-back and center-back. Importantly, his vision matches with ours at the club, which makes it a positive start. He has played across many clubs over the last five seasons and will only gain experience at Bengaluru,” Pezzaiuoli said.
The same day, Hyderabad FC completed the signing of experienced midfielder Eduardo ‘Edu’ Garcia from ATK Mohan Bagan on a one-year deal. The versatile midfielder was more than eager to join Manolo Marquez’s side.
“I am very excited to start my journey with Hyderabad FC. I promise to give my best and help the club grow with my experience and my work,” said Garcia. “I want HFC to finish as high as possible on the table, and will work hard for that. I will also always try to help the team by giving what the coach wants from me,” he added.
The midfielder started his career in the Segunda division with Real Zaragoza. He moved to India in 2017 with ATK (now ATK Mohun Bagan) to start his ISL career, making 14 appearances for them. Garcia moved to the Chinese side Zhejiang Greentown before returning back to ATK FC the following season and was a key member in their 2019-20 title-winning campaign.
Manolo stated that a player like Garcia would bring in a lot of positive experience ad versatility to his squad. “Edu (Garcia) is a good player and such players are always important. He has lots of experience of playing in India and will certainly help the youngsters in the squad,” said Manolo.
“He can play in centre midfield, attacking midfield and on the wings too. His versatility will be a huge asset for the squad. I am sure he will be comfortable with the group,” he concluded.
