Mohamad Rakip signed two-year extension and Nishu Kumar signed one-year extension with East Bengal FC.
Rakip will stay till the end of the 2025-26 season. Nishu Kumar who joined Red & Gold Brigade from Kerala Blasters FC on a one-year loan deal last year, has signed a one-year extension with the Red & Golds on a permanent transfer.
Rakip logged 8 interceptions, 18 tackles, 39 successful duels, 9 successful aerial duels, 3 blocks, 49 recoveries and 29 clearances in ISL 2023-24.
Nishu was East Bengal’s top assist-provider in the previous season with 5 assists across 4 Kalinga Super Cup and 20 ISL matches.
Mohamad Rakip said “East Bengal has brought the best out of me. I would love to thank Coach Carles and the Emami East Bengal management for giving me enough playing time. I love this club and will continue giving my best for the fans.”
Nishu Kumar said “I am very happy to continue my journey with the Red & Gold Brigade. I am grateful to Coach Cuadrat and the Emami East Bengal management for helping me regain my confidence. I’ll forever cherish our Super Cup victory and do everything possible to bring more joy to the fans.”
Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Rakip and Nishu shone in important moments throughout the season, especially at the Kalinga Super Cup. Rakip was not getting enough playing time here before my arrival. However, he gradually made good use of the chances that I gave him and is a much-improved player now. He is still pretty young and we need to give him more opportunities to grow as a player and develop his numbers in both defence and attack. Nishu has gradually been returning to the form that he showed under me at Bengaluru FC and which helped him reach the National Team. He was a key member of our Kalinga Super Cup-winning squad. Nishu not only did well in defence, but also provided assists in crucial games throughout the season. It’s great to retain him for another season.”
Picture Courtesy: East Bengal Media
