FILE PHOTO: East Bengal FC has extended the contract of Mohammed Rashid. | Photo Credit: ISL MEDIA

East Bengal has moved quickly to secure its midfield after the exit of Miguel Figueira, signing Dani Ramirez as replacement and extending the contract of Mohammed Rashid for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Rashid’s existing contract had expired on May 31. The current one-year extension will keep him at the club until 2027.

The 30-year-old Palestine international moved to India last season and played as the anchor of East Bengal’s midfield in 21 appearances across all competitions. He also scored the winning goal over Inter Kashi, which secured the club’s first men’s top-flight title in 22 years.

READ: Mohun Bagan signs India defender Rahul Bheke ahead of new ISL season

Meanwhile, Ramirez becomes the latest player to move from Punjab FC to Kolkata. Earlier, midfielder Samir Zeljković joined Mohun Bagan Super Giant while the Shers’ coach, Panagiotis Dilmperis, left on mutual terms, with heavy interest from Bagan.

Ramirez will pair up with Rashid in the midfield as a No. 10 – a role similar to the one he played under Dilmperis, scoring five goals and assisting three more as Punjab reached the semifinals of the AIFF Super Cup and remained in contention for the ISL title until the final matchday.

The Spaniard becomes the second major signing for the Red-and-Gold Brigade, which has already acquired the services of FC Goa full-back Boris Singh on a multi-year deal.

Ramirez, however, has signed an initial contract of one year with an option to extend for one more.

The Red-and-Gold Brigade remains in discussions about its head coach – Oscar Bruzon remains in contention to stay on – and tentatively plans to begin its pre-season later this month.

The Indian domestic football season is scheduled to begin on July 25 with the Durand Cup, while East Bengal is also scheduled to play its AFC Champions League Two prelims on August 12. The club will begin its ISL title defence in September.

Published on Jun 18, 2026