East Bengal is making inroads in the transfer market as the Reds and Golds have secured another crucial signing of former Hyderabad midfielder Borja Herrera.
Ahead of the 2023-24 Indian Super League season, the Kolkata-based club has bolstered their squad with the signing of the Spaniard on a one-year deal.
Emami Group’s chief marketing and strategy officer, Debrata Mukherjee feels that their latest acquisition is one of the finest central midfielders in the league and talked about his potential contribution in the upcoming season.
He said,
“Borja is one of the most complete midfielders in the ISL. His depth of experience and leadership qualities will provide plenty of strength to our team both on and off the pitch.”
New head coach Carles Cuadrat also heaped praise on the technical abilities and the versatility offered by the midfielder.
He said,
“Borja is a fantastic addition to the squad. He is technically very sound and his versatility on the left side will help both our offense and defense.”
The head coach also talked about his compatriot’s first season in the ISL with Hyderabad as the Nizams finished second in the league table directly qualifying for the semi-finals.
Cuadrat continued,
“Having already played a season in India, he has become accustomed to the level of competition in the ISL. He was a vital member of the Hyderabad FC squad last season, and I am sure that his impressive work rate will benefit us immensely.”
Playing his first season in the ISL, Herrera scored four goals and provided five assists taking part in all matches that Hyderabad played in the season. After the league season got over, Borja didn’t drop his performance levels and provided a solitary assist in three Super Cup appearances as well.
Borja said,
“I am excited to continue my footballing journey in India. After a great season with Hyderabad, I now want to travel to Kolkata and be a Red & Gold. We are all aware of East Bengal’s rich legacy, so when I got the offer to be a part of this great club, I didn’t think twice.”
The Spaniard further talked about the Kolkata Derby and the excitement to take part in of the biggest matches in Asian football.
The 30-year old concluded,
“I am also looking forward to playing in the Kolkata derby, which, I’ve heard, is one of the biggest derbies in Asia. I would like to thank Coach Carles, Emami Group, and the club for valuing my experience and showing faith in me.”
East Bengal fans would be looking forward to seeing their new midfielder in action and the first opportunity for the same would be the Durand Cup in which the Spaniard has a great record as he scored one goal and provided three assists in five appearances in the 2022 edition of the competition.