East Bengal extends Rashid’s contract and also signs Boris and Ramirez ahead of ISL 2026-2027

East Bengal have moved quickly to secure midfield following the departure of Miguel Figueira, signing Dani Ramirez as a replacement and extending Mohammed Rashid’s contract for the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season.

Rashid’s existing contract 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 anchored East Bengal’s midfield in 21 appearances in all competitions. He also scored the winning goal against Inter Kashi, securing the club’s first men’s top division title in 22 years.

READ: Mohun Bagan signs India defender Rahul Bheke ahead of the 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 Shers coach Panagiotis Dilperis left on mutual terms, with strong interest from Bagan.

Ramirez will partner Rashid in midfield as a number 10 – a role similar to the one he played under Dilperis. He scored five goals and assisted three more as Punjab reached the semi-finals of the AIFF Super Cup and remained in contention for the ISL title until the last matchday.

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

However, Ramirez has signed an initial one-year contract, with an option for one more year.

The Red and Gold Brigade continues to discuss its head coach – Oscar Bruzon remains in contention to stay – and tentatively plans to start pre-season later this month.

The Indian domestic football season will start on July 25 with the Durand Cup, while East Bengal will also play the AFC Champions League Two preliminary rounds on August 12. The club will begin its ISL title defense in September.

Published on June 18, 2026