ISL Transfer Watch: Chennaiyin sign Sourav Das from SCEB

Bengaluru, June 9: Two-time champions Chennaiyin FC (CFC) have roped in midfielder Sourav Das from Indian Super League (ISL) rivals SC East Bengal on a two-year deal.

Das is the fifth signing for Marina Machans ahead of the new ISL season following young Manipuri midfielder Yumkhaibam Jiteshwor Singh from I League outfit Neroca FC, Bengal captain and defender Monotosh Chakladar, Vincy Barreto (from ISL rivals Kerala Blasters) and Alexander Romario Jesuraj (from FC Goa).

The arrival of Das, who has previously featured for three of India's top football clubs -- Mumbai City, East Bengal and Mohun Bagan -- will give further fillip to Chennaiyin's midfield, consisting of experienced Anirudh Thapa and youngster Jiteshwor Singh, who was signed by the club earlier.

A defensive midfielder, Jiteshwor had played in three I-League seasons in his career so far since making his professional debut with Orange Brigade in 2020. He had also appeared for Kolkata-based Bhawanipore FC on three occasions in the I League qualifiers during a short loan spell in 2020.

He had produced one assist and spent over 1500 minutes on the pitch, featuring in 12 league and five championship stage matches.

Now with Das also joining the CFC ranks, one can expect a tight midfield.

Expressing his excitement on joining one of ISL's successful clubs, Das told CFC Media: "I am very happy to have joined the Chennaiyin FC family. It is a great club with great achievements-two times ISL champions. I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans and win many trophies with the club. I want to thank everyone in the management for putting their faith in me.

"I promise them and all the fans that I will put my every bit into training and matches and fight hard. AllInForChennaiyin!"Talking about the club's fifth signing this summer, Chennaiyin FC co-owner Vita Dani said: "We are very happy to welcome hard working and combative midfielder Sourav Das to Chennaiyin FC. He has impressed at the three clubs that he has played for so far and we are confident that he can carry over that quality into next season with us."

The 25-year-old footballer will be joining the Marina Machans from SC East Bengal for whom he played two seasons in the ISL.

Last season Das played 18 matches, recording 66 tackles and 25 interceptions for the Red and Gold Brigade.