Ahead of the upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL 2024-25), East Bengal FC on Saturday confirmed the departure of five players – Mandar Rao Dessai, Ajay Chhetri, Victor Vazquez, Felicio Forbes and Aleksandar Pantic.
Dessai joined the club from Mumbai City FC ahead of the 2023-24 season, making 17 appearances and recording five clean sheets.
Meanwhile, Chhetri was part of the Red & Golds on a loan deal from Bengaluru FC for the 2023-24 season, returning for a second stint with the club after the 2021-22 campaign. He made nine appearances and scored a goal during the Kolkata Derby.
The foreign trio of Vazquez, Forbes, and Pantic joined the club during the ISL 2023-24 January transfer window but couldn’t make much of an impact.
Forward Forbes netted one goal across 11 appearances. Meanwhile, Former FC Barcelona player Vazquez recorded one assist in 10 appearances.
Centre-back Pantic made eight appearances, registered one clean sheet, and scored a goal for the side.
East Bengal FC finished ninth in the ISL standings during the recent season and came close to reaching the playoffs. Additionally, they won the Kalinga Super Cup and reached the Durand Cup final.