SC East Bengal have acquired the services of promising forward Naorem Mahesh Singh on a season-long loan deal from Kerala Blasters FC, the club confirmed on Saturday.

Naorem, 22, played for Sudeva Delhi FC in the Hero I-League last season, making 14 appearances after he was loaned out by Kerala Blasters FC.

“This is a big opportunity for me. I have heard so much about East Bengal growing up. It is one of the biggest clubs in Asia and I cannot wait to put on the red and gold shirt and make the fans happy,” Naorem said.

“I will give my best every day in training and try to impress the gaffer [Robbie Fowler]. Being a forward myself, I am also looking forward to learning so much from him. He is such a legend and that only adds to the motivation,” he added.

Naorem began his career in his home state of Manipur with Birchandra Memorial Sporting Club. He went on to join the youth side of Shillong Lajong FC and played for them in the Shillong Premier League. Naorem was promoted to the senior team ahead to the 2018–19 season and made his debut against Aizawl FC in the Hero I-League. He netted a brace as Shillong Lajong won 2–1.

The Manipur-born footballer signed for Kerala Blasters FC ahead of the 2020-21 Hero ISL season before he was sent to Sudeva on loan in November last year.

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