East Bengal confirms Omid Singh’s signing - Player denies

Indian Football fans went abuzz last Sunday when the news of East Bengal FC signing Omid Singh emerged. Almost every publication confirmed the news though a statement by the club's executive committee member, Debabrata Sarkar.

"Omid has already put pen to paper for our club. He is now in Tehran and he has been signed on a two-year deal,” Mr. Sarkar said to IANS.

Within few hours, a portal by the name of PersianFootball.com refuted the claim. The report cited that the 27-year-old, who currently plays for Naft Masjed Soleyman FC in the Persian Gulf Pro League, has not penned contract with the Red and Gold.

“I am waiting to see what’s happening with our league, then I will decide on my future,” Singh was quoted by the portal. But its certain that the I-League side are interested in Omid and discussion are on. Moreover with the player having expressed his desire to play for Indian National Team, the news about his move to India should be true. It could just be a matter of time before the player makes an announcement.

East Bengal currently plays in the I-League but hoping to play the Indian Super League next season. 

Omid Singh’s background

Omid is an Indian-Iranian, whose father hails from Punjab and holds an Indian Passport. But Omid, having born and brought up in Iran, holds an Iranian passport.
Omid began his professional career playing for the Gahar Zagros in 2012–13 Persian Gulf Pro League. He then joined Naft Masjed the following season, and played in the Azadegan League.

In 2016, Omid joined Esteghlal Khuzestan and won his maiden Persian Gulf Pro League title. He joined Pars Jonoubi Jam the following season and played a pivotal role in helping the team win the Azadegan League title for the first time in their history.

Indian National Team ambition

Omid made headlines in India last year when he expressed his desire to play for the Indian national team. India coach Igor Stimac had also reportedly shown a keen interest in the left-winger.“I liked to play for Iran national football team, but I was not invited to Team Melli,” Omid had told Tehran Times last July. “At the moment, Iran are one of the best teams in Asia and it’s hard to be part of the team. Mr Stimac called me and I accepted to play for India,” Omid added.

As Omid's father holds and Indian Passport, he is eligible to play for the Blue Tigers. But the player has to surrender his Iranian passport as India doesn’t allow dual citizenship.