East Bengal FC have officially announced the signing of Indian national team defensive mainstay Anwar Ali on a 5-year contract with the club on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee from Delhi FC.
Anwar (23) has been a pillar of the Indian national team’s backline. He has played in 22 matches for the Blue Tigers since making his debut in March 2022. He has gone on to win the Tri-Nation series, Intercontinental Cup and the SAFF Championship in 2023.
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The centre-back has represented the national team at all group levels from the U-17 to the senior level. He was also a crucial member of the Indian team that took part in the U-17 FIFA World Cup 2017 on home soil.
Anwar worked his way up through the youth system from Minerva Academy before he grew in prominence by playing for the AIFF development side in 2017. In the ISL, Anwar has 46 appearances since 2021.
He also has the knack for finding the back of the net scoring 3 goals and providing one assist in the previous season. He was also the top-scorer for Delhi FC in the 2021 I-League Qualifiers (4 goals).
In last season’s ISL, Anwar registered 4 clean sheets, 18 interceptions, 17 tackles, 45 successful duels. 19 successful aerial duels, 9 blocks, 67 recoveries, 52 clearances and 549 successful passes in 16 matches.
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“I am honoured and excited to wear the Red & Gold jersey. The reception that I got at the Kolkata Airport was overwhelming and the fans have already shown me a lot of love and support. I want to dedicate the best years of my career to this iconic club and its passionate fans. Every time I take the field, I want to make our fans proud and happy. Joy East Bengal!” said Anwar Ali who expressed his joy at joining the club.
East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat commented, “In Anwar, we have got another national team player who will give us much-needed experience at the top level and the quality and physicality in the squad that we are trying to build for the next few years. It’s essential for players to believe in what you are doing as a coach, before joining a new project. I am happy to see how some young players in Indian football have realized this season that East Bengal is the club where they can take the next step in their careers”.
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