East Bengal FC head into the Indian Super League 2025/26 season with a clear intent to reset the narrative. After a turbulent 2024/25 campaign that saw a poor start, a mid-season coaching change, and an eventual 9th-place finish marked by hot-and-cold performances, the Red & Gold Brigade have responded decisively in the transfer market.
This season feels different — bolder, deeper, and far more ambitious as the club looks to go toe-to-toe with their arch rivals Mohun Bagan and re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders.
Between domestic reinforcements and carefully chosen foreign signings, East Bengal FC have addressed key gaps across the pitch. The emphasis has been clear: balance, experience, creativity, and defensive solidity.
Potential Starting XI [4-5-1]
On paper, the potential lineup for ISL 2025/26 looks one of the strongest assembled by the club in recent years.
In goal, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill is expected to continue as the first-choice goalkeeper. Despite last season’s inconsistencies, Gill’s shot-stopping ability and growing command of the box make him a trusted presence between the posts. Continuity here could prove crucial as East Bengal looks to build a settled defensive unit.
The defensive line reflects a blend of familiarity and fresh quality. Mohammad Rakip as the right-back and new signing Jay Gupta from FC Goa as the left-back offer pace, energy, and attacking width as well as a defensive cover from full-back positions. At centre-back, the experienced Anwar Ali partners with new Argentine recruit Kevin Sibille, a pairing that promises physicality, composure, and aerial strength.
In midfield, the arrival of Palestinian international Mohammed Rashid could be transformative. Slotting in as the defensive midfielder, Rashid brings tactical discipline, ball recovery, and leadership, acting as the shield in front of the backline. Beside him, club captain Mahesh Singh Naorem and Brazilian newcomer Miguel Figueira are expected to operate as central midfielders, tasked with dictating tempo, providing creativity, and linking defence with attack.
The wide midfield areas see significant upgrades as well. Former Inter Kashi FC standout Edmund Lalrindika is likely to feature on the right, offering directness, work rate, and unpredictability. On the left, the potential signing of Bipin Singh from Mumbai City FC adds proven ISL pedigree, intelligent movement, and end product.
Leading the line will be Spanish striker Youssef Ezzejjari, signed to be the focal point of the attack. With his finishing ability, movement inside the box, and experience in pressure situations, Ezzejjari is expected to shoulder the goal-scoring responsibility. If supplied consistently, he could be the difference-maker East Bengal have been searching for.
Overall, this potential lineup reflects a club that has learned from its recent struggles. Depth has improved, competition for places has increased, and the tactical structure looks far more coherent. If the pieces click early, East Bengal FC could finally convert promise into sustained performance across the ISL season.
Conclusion
The overall squad of East Bengal FC is a statement of intent. With a stronger squad balance, clearer roles across the pitch, and a renewed hunger to shed the scars of recent campaigns, the Red & Gold Brigade appear better equipped to handle both expectation and pressure. Execution, consistency, and early momentum will decide how far this project goes, but for the first time in a while, optimism feels justified rather than hopeful. If this group finds rhythm and belief early, East Bengal may not just compete with the league’s elite — they could become one of the defining forces of the ISL.
