Punjab FC midfielder Madih Talal is set to join East Bengal at the end of the ongoing season, sources close to the proceedings confirm.
Joining Punjab FC from Greek Super League club A.E. Kifisia at the start of the 2023-24 season, Talal quickly became an important playmaker for the Shers. His first ISL goal, against Chennaiyin FC on December 18th, helped the debutants to their first-ever win in the ISL. The 26-year-old French playmaker currently leads the league in assists (8) and chances created (44).
Punjab head coach Staikos Vergetis must have been unwilling to let such a proficient midfielder go, but the Shers could not match the enticing offers of other ISL clubs.
“Talal had offers from NorthEast United, Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, and inquiries from three more clubs, including Kerala Blasters. Punjab FC also made a very lucrative offer to him, but East Bengal made the best offer to convince him,” sources say.
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The Torchbearers were always frontrunners to get the Angers Academy graduate’s signature. Their superior offer, along with the chance to play in the AFC Champions League 2 next season, courtesy of the Super Cup triumph, was enough to beat out fellow suitors.
With Borja Herrera leaving midseason and new-signing Victor Vasquez not living up to expectations, Madih Talal’s addition in midfield could be vital to East Bengal’s future success.
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