Indian Super League (ISL) side Bengaluru FC on Sunday announced the signings of Spanish forward Edgar Mendez, defenders Rahul Bheke and Mohammed Salah.

While Mendez and Salah have penned a season-long contract, Bheke has rejoined the Blues on a two-year deal, returning to the club after three years.

Mendez has had a diverse career spanning Spain and Mexico, playing in prestigious leagues such as La Liga and Liga MX. He was part of Real Madrid FC's youth academy, making his senior professional debut for their C team in the Spanish fourth division.

Later on, he played for several clubs in the Spanish second division, including Atletico Ciudad, Betis, Union Deportivo Belilla, and Almeria. Mendez earned his La Liga debut during the 2013-14 season with Almeria.

He then had brief stints with Granada and Alvares, followed by a notable move to Cruz Azul in Mexico. His time in North America was marked by success, winning three trophies with Azul, before returning to Spain in 2020 with Alaves. He spent two seasons back home before joining Mexican club Club Necaxa and was part of them for two seasons from 2022-24.

Meanwhile, Bheke began his career in the youth ranks of Mahindra United before progressing through clubs like Air India, Mumbai Tigers, and Mumbai FC, before joining East Bengal FC in 2015.

Born in Mumbai, he embarked on his ISL journey with Kerala Blasters FC in 2015, followed by a stint with FC Pune City in ISL 2016, where he featured in 10 matches for the Stallions. His performances caught the attention of Bengaluru FC during the ISL 2017-18 draft, where he made a significant impact.

Bheke continued to excel in the 2018-19 season, making crucial contributions in both defence and offence, including the winning header against FC Goa in the final which helped the Blues secure the ISL Cup for the first time.

In 2021, the defender signed a two-year deal with Mumbai City FC. He quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their defence and eventually captained the side to two trophies.

Bheke even made history for Mumbai City FC in the AFC Champions League, scoring the decisive header in a 2-1 triumph over Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya, marking a milestone as the first Indian player to score in the prestigious competition.

In his second season with the club, he helped them secure the prestigious League Shield before playing a crucial role in their ISL Cup triumph the following season.

The India international is among the most experienced defenders in the league, having made 150 appearances for four different clubs.

The Blues have also acquired the services of full-back Mohammed Salah K for a year.

Salah has displayed promising performances with Punjab FC in the ISL 2023–24 season. The defender featured in 13 games in his debut ISL season, where he clocked 1093 minutes.

Salah attempted 11 tackles, won 38 duels, made 24 interceptions, and completed 81 recoveries, averaging 33 passes per game.

NorthEast United FC bolster their attack with Guillermo Fernandez

Indian Super League (ISL) club NorthEast United FC announced the signing of Spanish forward Guillermo Fernandez Hierro on Sunday.

Fernandez, aged 31, began his career with Athletic Bilbao, making his first-team debut in La Liga in 2013. Known for his finishing in front of goal, he later played for clubs like Elche, CD Numancia, and most recently for Cultural Leonesa. Guillermo’s notable achievements include scoring a goal in the UEFA Champions League group phase against FC Porto, scoring decisive goals in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, and playing a crucial role in CD Numancia’s successful campaigns in the Segunda División.

Fernandez has consistently demonstrated his skill on the field with his ability to adapt and perform in various attacking roles. His experience in Spain’s top leagues brings valuable expertise to NorthEast United FC, strengthening the team’s attacking lineup.

Expressing his delight in joining the Highlanders, Fernandez said, "I am very excited to work with the team and coaching staff. The club has shown faith in me, and I am ready to repay them and set my mark in the Indian Super League."

Speaking about the latest addition, head coach Juan Pedro Benali said, "Fernandez is a very experienced professional; his career says it all. He will give us the much-needed boost in our attack, and we are happy to have him here."

Mandar Tamhane, CEO of NorthEast United FC, shared his thoughts on the signing: "We feel we have got the right fit for our team. Fernandez has played at the top level of football in Europe; his expertise will not only bolster our attack but also serve as a catalyst for growth and development for our entire squad."

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Bengaluru FCNorthEast United FC2023-2024 Rahul Bheke