East Bengal are currently in advanced talks to sign 23-year-old defensive midfielder Jeakson Singh from Kerala Blasters. Jeakson, who has made 19 appearances for the national team, had multiple offers from other clubs but has accepted terms with the 2023/24 Super Cup winners.
Jeakson began his career with Minerva Punjab before being sent to Indian Arrows. He returned to Kerala Blasters in 2019, having signed for them a year earlier, following the conclusion of a loan spell with the Indian Arrows.
The 23-year-old was a vital cog in former Blasters manager Ivan Vukomanovic’s and Stimac’s national side as a defensive midfielder or a traditional ‘6’. The young and extremely disciplined midfielder excels in breaking down opponents’ attacks during transitions. His ability to disrupt the opponent’s transition from midfield to attack made him a mainstay in both teams until a shoulder injury forced him out of action for six months.
Jeakson featured in 17 straight matches for the national team from the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers in June 2022 until the King’s Cup in Thailand in September 2023. He was sorely missed during the AFC Asian Cup in 2023. Jeakson returned to full fitness in February this year and, despite not playing a part in the Blasters’ Super Cup campaign, he participated in their last five matches of the ISL.
The Blasters midfielder played just 10 games for them last season due to his injury. However, the 23-year-old featured in 20 ISL games for his club the previous season and was a central figure in their tactical setup. Jeakson excels in ball recoveries and boasts a commendable 81% passing accuracy in his ISL career so far.
With his contract with Kerala Blasters running out next summer, rumors ran rampant with a number of ISL clubs eager to snap up the resilient and dependable defensive midfielder.
East Bengal finished 9th in the 2023-24 ISL season, having scored 27 goals and conceded 29. With the club being in the AFC Champions League 2, ISL, Durand Cup, and the Super Cup, reinforcements were vital in all departments for Carles Cuadrat to field a competitive eleven.
The Red and Gold Brigade marked their intent in the transfer window by already signing last season’s ISL Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos and top assist-provider Madih Talal from Kerala Blasters and Punjab FC, respectively.
With East Bengal’s attack looking very potent, they needed someone who could provide defensive stability to the team as well as seamlessly transition from defense to attack. Having lost the services of Apuia to their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, East Bengal aims to make a statement by signing Jeakson Singh, a player who perfectly matches their required profile.
With multiple competitions to play in, Cuadrat will be pleased with the business done so far. Having won their first trophy in 12 years last season, East Bengal will be vying for more silverware with Jeakson’s calmness and stability in their midfield.
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