French playmaker Madih Talal has joined Emami East Bengal FC on a two-year contract that will run until the end of the 2025-26 season. Talal, the top assist-provider in the previous Indian Super League season, joins ISL 2023-24 Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos, Kalinga Super Cup 2024 top scorer Cleiton Silva and Durand Cup 2023 Golden Boot winner David Lalhlansanga to strengthen East Bengal’s attack.
Apart from playing in Punjab FC, he had played for France’s Amiens SC, Entente SSG, Red Star FC and US Avranches, Spain’s Las Rozas CF, and Greece’s A.E. Kifisia.
Talal played in each of Punjab FC’s 22 ISL and 3 Kalinga Super Cup fixtures, accumulating 1,910 minutes of playing time across both competitions. One of the youngest active foreigners in the ISL, he contributed either a goal or an assist in 5 of Punjab’s 6 ISL victories last season. Talal also had 2 assists in the Kalinga Super Cup.
Talal said, “East Bengal’s contribution to Indian football is immense and I am honored to commit my future to this legendary club. I am very excited to meet my new teammates and the incredible fans who make this club special.”
Head Coach Carles Cuadrat commented, “Talal has been one of the top foreigners to make an impact in their debut ISL season. His talent greatly enhanced his team’s attack, due to which he not only recorded the maximum assists in the league but also scored a good number of goals. After a few conversations, Talal prioritized East Bengal over other ISL clubs, knowing how important he is going to be for our new project.”
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
