EAST BENGAL probably sign Ashique Kuruniyan to replace Jobby Justin this summer

Muhammad Ashique Kuruniyan who is currently playing for ISL club FC Pune City could join Kolkata giant East Bengal to replace Jobby Justin.

Like Jobby Justin Ashique Kuruniyan is also from Kerala. He made a headline in 2017 when he completed his training under Spanish La Liga side Villarreal CF. He did impressed the club management and Villarreal had offered him a contract to join their Third team on Loan from FC Pune City. But, unfortunately he has suffered a hamstring injury and return back to India in February 2017.

Many football expert will tell you that loan deals for youngsters such as Ashique and Romeo Fernandes are nothing more than a glorified PR stunt. With India increasingly in the spotlight due to its ‘sleeping giant’ status, those statements may have an element of truth to them.

One thing that these experts more often than not fail to do is to ask the player himself, what it means for those from adverse backgrounds to hone their skills at one of the highest platforms they will ever be afforded.

Ashique again catch the eye during the AFC Asian Cup in UAE early this year.  Everyone was surprised to see him in first XI of Indian National Football team against Thailand ahead of Jeje. But his performance in that match justified his selection and India thrashed Thailand by 4-1. 

Ashique is only 21 years old, he is tall, lanky and probably one of the top class withdrawal forward in the country right now. If East Bengal would sign any foreign striker in future, he could be the perfect support to the club. But, currently he is suffering from knee injury and will be back only in July.

Lets see whether East Bengal could complete the deal with him or not. Because, he is currently on a contract with FC Pune City and East Bengal have to pay heavy transfer fee for him.