Dutch defensive midfielder Darren Sidoel is joining SC East Bengal for a one-year deal. He became the fifth foreigner to join SC East Bengal for 2021-22 season.
Slovenian midfielder Amir Dervievic, Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela, Croatian centre-back Franjo Prce and Nigerian striker Daniel Chima Chukwu are the other four overseas recruits so far.
Sidoel joined from Spanish second division club Cordoba CF, having spent last season on loan at Hercules CF under coach Manuel Manolo’ Diaz. Sidoel can also play at centre-back and central midfield positions.
He was part of the famed Ajax youth system. Sidoel made his debut in the second division of the Dutch league (Eerste Divisie) for Jong Ajax (reserve team of Ajax) in the 2017/18 season, helping them win the title. He also featured in the UEFA Youth League for Ajax II.
He said, “SC East Bengal presents a new opportunity for me. I have played in a few European countries and picked up quite a lot. I am eager to learn and I believe I can develop playing in the Indian Super League,”
“I have played under the coach (Manolo) before in Spain and that helps. We have a good understanding and I am looking forward to reuniting with him again.”
