Highly-rated centre-back Daniel Gomes has penned a one-year deal with SC East Bengal, adding to the team’s defensive options ahead of the Hero Indian Super League 2021-22 season, the club announced on Wednesday.

Gomes had a bright spell with Goan heavyweights Salgaocar last season in the Goa Pro League, featuring in 10 out of 11 games for the former Hero I-League champions.

“I am thrilled. It is always a proud feeling to represent a club like East Bengal, and I am happy to do that. I have worked very hard, and I feel this is a reward for my perseverance,” said Gomes after putting pen-to-paper for the red and gold brigade.

“I am so looking forward to my debut in the [Hero] ISL. I am looking forward to learning from my seniors in the team and also working hard in training every day. We have got a great coaching staff, and I am sure I will become a better footballer with their inputs,” he added.

Gomes, 24, started his football career with Salgaocar, joining the U-19 team at 18 in 2015. He was promoted to the senior team three years later. Gomes captained the Salgaocar side last season, helping the defence keep three clean sheets.

In 2018, Gomes caught the eye of his coaches with an impressive shift against FC Pune City in the AWES Cup as he helped Salgaocar to a 2-0 win, holding the backline tight. Gomes was also instrumental in the team’s goalless draw against FC Goa in the same competition.

A ball-playing centre-back, Gomes will add depth to SC East Bengal’s defence, which already has the likes of India international Adil Khan, Raju Gaikwad and Joyner Lourenco.