East Bengal’s fans will hope the new recruits can help reclaim the Durand Cup, which they last won 21 years back in 2004.
With 16 titles, they remain the second-most successful club in the competition’s storied history behind arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, who clinched their record 17th crown in 2023 by defeating East Bengal 1-0 in a nail-biting final.
Reigning ISL champions Mohun Bagan have made headlines with the signing of Abhishek Singh Tekcham from Punjab FC for a reported fee close to Rs 2 crore, as they look to shore up their wing-back options following Ashique Kuruniyan’s departure.
Jamshedpur FC, meanwhile, have bolsterd their defence by roping in Jestin George, whose breakout season with Gokulam Kerala included a historic Durand Cup win in 2019.
Defending champions, NorthEast United FC are drawn in Group E and will be boosted by the signing of Spanish winger Jairo Samperio, an Europa League winner.
They have also acquired the services of Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga, Lalrinzuala Lalbiknia and Chema Núñez for the upcoming season.
Having won their first club trophy in the previous edition, Juan Pedro Benali’s side will be raring to go in front of their home fans.
Bigger stakes
This year’s Durand Cup retains its 24-team format, split into six groups across five states — West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, and, for the first time, Manipur.
Kolkata alone will host two groups, with 15 matches, including a quarter-final, a semi-final, and the grand finale at Salt Lake Stadium on August 23.
The competition also continues its tradition of welcoming foreign clubs, with teams from Malaysia (Malaysian Armed Forces) and Nepal (Tribhuvan Army FC) adding an international flavour.
For Kolkata fans, local giants East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting and newly promoted I-League outfit Diamond Harbour FC will ensure no shortage of fierce rivalries.
Significantly, the prize purse has tripled to Rs 3 crore this year.
Standout individual performers will be rewarded with three SUVs up for grabs alongside team prizes for semi-finalists, quarter-finalists and best performers.