ISL 2025-26: East Bengal FC Secures Spanish Forward Youssef Ezzejjari

Youssef Ezzejjari is a proven goalscorer with experience across Asian leagues. East Bengal FC are set to complete the signing of Youssef Ezzejjari, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of ISL 2025-16. The Spanish-born forward is expected to sign a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2025–26 season, with the deal likely to be formalised within the next 24–48 hours. The move comes as part of the club’s efforts to refresh their attacking options, with Ezzejjari brought in as a replacement for Hiroshi Ibusuki. “East Bengal identified Youssef Ezzejjari for the ISL 2025–26 season, with the terms and conditions of the transfer already agreed upon by both parties. If all goes as planned, the deal is expected to be signed within the next 24–48 hours,” a source close to the move told Khel Now. Ezzejjari arrives in Kolkata having built a career across multiple leagues, known for his physical presence, movement and willingness to work for the team. East Bengal FC with the arrival of Ezzejjari, give themselves a goalscoring option upfront which can be crucial this season. Ezzejjari can give much-needed boost to East Bengal attack Youssef Ezzejjari joins East Bengal FC with a career built on consistency across multiple leagues. Born in Spain and of Moroccan descent, the striker began his professional journey in the Spanish lower divisions before moving abroad in search of regular football and greater responsibility. His most productive spell came in Indonesia with Persik Kediri, where he scored 18 goals in 32 appearances in the Liga 1, establishing himself as one of the league’s reliable forwards. Ezzejjari continued his strong scoring form in Cambodia with Visakha FC, netting 10 goals in just 11 matches. He later made an immediate impact in the Singapore Premier League, scoring 4 goals in his first 5 league games. He arrives from the Singapore Premier League club Tanjong Pagar United, where he scored 5 goals in 6 games and enjoyed the form of his life. Ezzejjari is a physical centre-forward known for his movement, pressing and ability to lead the line. His career numbers reflect a striker who has consistently delivered goals, making him a proven attacking addition to East Bengal FC. How does this deal impact East Bengal FC? From a squad perspective, the signing adds balance and experience ahead of this season. Ezzejjari is a forward who has adapted quickly across leagues, suggesting he can settle into the Indian Super League (ISL) environment without a long adjustment period. For East Bengal, this means more tactical flexibility, whether playing with a lone striker or a dynamic front line, while also easing the goalscoring burden on the rest of the attack as they push for consistency in results.