East Bengal FC has announced the arrival of two promising India U-17 national team players — Vanlalpeka Guite and Gurnaj Singh Grewal on multi-year contracts.
“We are pleased to announce that India U-17 prodigies ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐ป๐น๐ฎ๐น๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ธ๐ฎ ๐๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ & ๐๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐ท ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ป๐ด๐ต ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐น have signed multi-year contracts with us,” said East Bengal FC in a tweet.
Welcoming the duo to the East Bengal FC family, Sandeep Agrawal of Emami Group said.
“Guite and Gurnaj have experienced international success with the India U-17 team. It is our constant endeavor to build a robust talent pipeline for East Bengalโs future, and the addition of these two boys is a step in the right direction.”
East Bengal FC head coach Carles Cuadrat spotted the two youngsters during the India U-17 teamโs practice games in Spain ahead of this yearโs AFC U-17 Asian Cup.
“A few months ago, I saw Guite and Gurnaj play for the India U-17 team in Madrid. Both these youngsters caught my attention with their playing styles and commitment to the team. It is important for us to promote young talent, and all of us here at East Bengal will help them improve their skills and become good professionals. I come from FC Barcelona’s La Masia, so I am always ready to give opportunities to young gems if they are ready for it,” said Cuadrat.
Notably, Guite was named the Most Valuable Player in the Blue Colts’ triumphant SAFF U-17 Championship campaign last year and he had also put up a good showing during the AFC U-17 Asian Cup earlier in 2023.
Hailing from Aizawl, the young attacking midfielder is hungry to deliver his best for East Bengal FC.
“It’s a huge honor for me to represent East Bengal. I will try to learn from Coach Cuadrat and my seniors as much as I can, and prove my worth to this great club,” the 16-year-old said.
On the other hand, Gurnaj has been another key member of India’s U-17 team and is a product of the Chandigarh Football Academy. Gurnaj, 16, is also excited to begin his senior professional career for the Red & Golds.
“I am immensely grateful to the East Bengal management and Coach Cuadrat for showing faith in me and selecting me for this prestigious club. I canโt wait to wear the iconic East Bengal jersey and play in Kolkata,” he said.