East Bengal FC midfielder Saul Crespo to sign a two-year contract extension: Reports 

East Bengal FC midfielder Saul Crespo has agreed to a contract extension which will see him stay at the club for two more seasons, according to 90nd Stoppage. The 27-year-old joined Carles Cuadrat's men from Odisha FC in June last year and his contract was about to expire in May.

Overall, Saul Crespo featured in 25 matches for the Kolkata giants across all competitions this season scoring seven goals in addition to an assist. He operated at the heart of the midfield playing a pivotal part in his side's gameplay.

The passionate fans of East Bengal FC will be delighted about the Spaniard being handed a new contract given his credentials, love for the badge and the relationship he has established with them.

A mixed Indian season for East Bengal FC

Head coach Carles Caudrat led his team to a runner-up finish in his first-ever assignment at the helm - the 2023 Durand Cup. They eventually lost 1-0 against their arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the final which was held at the iconic Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Nevertheless, East Bengal put aside the disappointment of that narrow loss and bounced back strongly to win their first-ever major trophy at the national level in almost 12 years. They defeated hosts Odisha FC in the 2024 Indian Super Cup final in Bhubaneswar. Captain Cleiton Silva ended the tournament as the highest goal scorer with five goals to his name.

In the 2023-24 ISL though, the Red and Gold Brigade failed to make it to the playoffs, finishing ninth in the points table with 24 points from 22 matches.

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan Super Giant went on to clinch their first-ever ISL League Winners' Shield having finished at the pole position. With six wins, six draws and ten defeats, East Bengal FC had a disappointing ISL campaign.