Promising left-back Hira Mondal has completed a one-year permanent transfer from Mohammedan SC to SC East Bengal, the club confirmed on Friday. Mondal, 25, was named in the Hero I-League’s team of the season after a string of stellar performances for the Black Panthers catapulted him to prominence.

A full-back who loves to bomb forward, Mondal made 14 appearances for Mohammedan SC last season in the Hero I-League, scoring twice and providing one assist.

Mondal was a rock at the back for Mohammedan SC, showing composure on the ball and aggression off it. Stockily built, the Kolkata-based footballer became one of the hottest prospects in the Hero I-League on the back of some consistent performances.

“It is a dream come true for any footballer to don the [SC] East Bengal jersey. Being from Kolkata, it is all the more special for me. I have no words to express how happy I am. I was over the moon when I got the offer,” Mondal said after completing formalities.

“I can’t wait for the season to start. It is always an honour to play in the top league of the country. But I cannot let my emotions get the better of me. I know I have a job to do and what the fans expect from me. It is a big opportunity for me, and I want to make the most of it,” he added.

Mondal was with East Bengal for the 2018-19 season. He has also turned up for city-based clubs Rainbow SC, Tollygunge Agragami and Peerless, starting his career with Calcutta Port Trust in 2015. Mondal has also represented Bengal in the Santosh Trophy.

SC East Bengal, coached by Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, took part in their maiden Hero ISL campaign last time, finishing in ninth place.