Indian Super League (ISL) outfit East Bengal FC announced the arrival of last season’s Golden Boot winner Dimitrios Diamantakos on a two-year contract.

The Greek forward scored 13 goals for Kerala Blasters FC in the league last season.

Welcoming the prolific striker, Mr Vibhash Vardhan Agarwal of Emami Group said, “Emami Group is committed to building a formidable East Bengal team that can make our fans and the country proud at the Asian level. Diamantakos is a proven match-winner and we are delighted to welcome the ISL Golden Boot winner to our family.”

East Bengal FC Head Coach Carles Cuadrat said, “Diamantakos’ adaptation to India and the ISL has been remarkable and his inclusion will massively bolster our attack. We had a fruitful conversation with him, which convinced him to join us. He had offers from various clubs, but he believed in our project and chose to join East Bengal FC.”

At the international level, Diamantakos has represented Greece’s senior national team and was part of the Greek squad that finished runners-up in the 2012 UEFA European U-19 Championship.

Since joining Kerala Blasters FC in 2022, Diamantakos has so far played 44 matches on Indian soil, registering 28 goals and 7 assists across two seasons. The 31-year-old recorded the joint- second highest goal contributions in Indian football last season (20 in 20 games). Besides scoring 13 goals and providing 3 assists en route to winning the ISL Golden Boot, Diamantakos also registered 3 goals and 1 assist in three Kalinga Super Cup games. In the 2022-23 ISL, he earned the distinction of scoring in five consecutive matches.

Having risen through the youth ranks at Atromitos Piraeus and Olympiacos, Diamantakos represented several Greek sides during his formative professional years, including Panionios Athens, Aris Thessaloniki, Ergotelis FC, and Olympiacos in two stints. Later, between 2015 and 2020, he had a five-year-long spell in Germany which saw him play for Karlsruher SC, VfL Bochum, and FC St. Pauli, before joining Croatia’s Hajduk Split (2020-22) and Israel’s FC Ashdod (on loan – 2022) in the subsequent years.

Excited to join the Red & Gold brigade, Diamantakos said, “Everyone knows that East Bengal FC have one of the greatest fan bases in Asia. I can’t wait to play in front of them. I will do my best to help my team achieve our goals and bring joy to our supporters. See you in Kolkata!”

Chennaiyin FC sign versatile forward Kiyan Nassiri

Indian Super League (ISL) club Chennaiyin FC have completed their sixth signing for the 2024-25 season with the acquisition of young forward Kiyan Nassiri.

The 23-year-old talented forward has previously played for the ISL outfit Mohun Bagan Super Giant, after honing his skills in the Mohammedan U16 team in various competitions.

Chennaiyin FC have signed a three-year contract with Nassiri that will keep him at the club till 2027.

Talking about the club’s new signing, head coach Owen Coyle said, “We are excited to welcome Kiyan Nassiri to this great club. When you score a hattrick on your debut against your biggest rivals, it says everything there is to be said. He’s a great boy and we have no doubt he will quickly become a fan favourite.”

Nassiri was a regular member of Mohun Bagan Super Giant side that won the ISL League Shield in 2024 and the ISL trophy in 2023. In 68 matches across the competition for the club, he played brilliantly and registered nine goals and two assists.

“I am extremely excited and grateful to be a part of this amazing sea of blue. Bringing all my humility and respect for the management, coaches, and fans. Looking forward to bringing with me, my endless passion for the beautiful game and my spirit to win with and for my team,” Nassiri said.

Nassiri’s presence in Chennaiyin FC will elevate the team’s attacking capabilities, as he is expected to play a pivotal role for the club, bringing valuable quality and energy to the club on the field.

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East Bengal FCChennaiyin FC2023-2024 Kiyan Nassiri GiriDimitrios Diamantakos