The 17-year-old has impressed for the youth sides of the national team in recent years.

Amid the lockdown due to COVID-19, clubs have slowed down their transfer activity. However, one club which stands out as an exception has to be East Bengal. The Red and Gold are now set to sign Indian Arrows defensive midfielder Ricky Shabong on a three-year contract, Khel Now understands.

The 17-year-old was one of the regular members of the Arrows’ side this season. His defensive work-rate and ability to break up play made him a vital player for coach Shanmugam Venkatesh.

Moreover, Ricky made 16 appearances this season, proving his worth to the Indian Arrows.

The youngster from Meghalaya featured for Royal Wahingdoh’s junior team once, but the All India Football Federation (AIFF) scouts were quick to notice his talent. He was then drafted into the India U-14 setup. The teenager has represented India in age-group tournaments and was part of several U-16 exposure tours before featuring in the AFC U-16 Championship in 2018, where the midfielder played all the games, as Bibiano Fernandes’ men reached the quarterfinals.

Ricky Shabong has everything that is required to be a future star as his abilities with the ball are not unknown. But his main duty has always been to recycle possession and cover the backline, which he has carried out with aplomb this season.

His arrival will be a breath of fresh air for the Red and Gold, as this will be one of the biggest breaks in his career. The 17-year-old midfielder will also be determined to make a mark for the Kolkata giants in the upcoming campaign.

Shabong joins the horde of players signed by East Bengal amid the lockdown period in the country. The Red and Gold have already confirmed the signings of Balwant Singh, Gurtej Singh, Novin Gurung and Sehnaj Singh.

While the cloud of uncertainty of where the club will play next season still remains, East Bengal’s approach in the transfer market hints that they are preparing for something big.

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