Edu Garcia move to China League One side on transfer, Rahul Bheke get his contract extended by three years

Bengaluru FC Media

Winger Garcia is all set to be transferred from Bengaluru FC to Zhejiang Lǜchéng and defender Rahul Bheke handed over three-year contract just in a day’s gap. 

Bengaluru FC have reached an agreement with Chinese League One side Zhejiang Lǜchéng for the transfer of Spanish winger Edu Garcia for an undisclosed fee, the club announced on Friday. The deal makes Bengaluru FC the first Indian club to earn a fee from a foreign club for the transfer of a player. 

Garcia was signed on a season-long deal in September and the former Zaragoza man was an instant hit, scoring the Blues’ first ever goal in the Indian Super League in the 2-0 win over Mumbai City FC at the Kanteerava. The second of his two goals for the club came earlier this month against Goa, once again at the Fortress. Always dangerous with his set-piece deliveries, Garcia also racked up five assists for Albert Roca’s side. 

Meanwhile, the club announced on Thursday that Rahul Bheke’s extended contract will continue till May 2021. The 27-year-old has been a vital cog in Bengaluru’s season so far, and the extension reaffirms the club’s commitment towards holding on to its best talent. 

A consistent figure in the Bengaluru back-line, The Mumbai-born defender has played twenty times for the Blues this season, making 19 starts and scoring two goals, both in the AFC Cup. 

At Lǜchéng, Garcia will team up with Spanish coach Sergi Barjuan for the club which plays at the Yellow Dragon Sports Center in Hangzhou. The League One season kicks off on March 10. 

Coach Albert Roca thanked the winger for his efforts that have played its part in Bengaluru’s surge to the semifinal of the ISL. “Edu has been a thorough professional during his time at the club and he was presented an opportunity that seemed right to say yes to. His contribution to our season so far has been very valuable and I wish him the best.”

Bengaluru FC sign fifth Spaniard in Edu Garcia

Bengaluru FC Media

Bengaluru FC completed their quota of foreign signings and finalized their squad for the upcoming season with the addition of Spanish winger Eduardo 'Edu' Garcia Martin, the club announced on Saturday. Having penned a one-year deal, Edu becomes the eighth overseas player and the fifth Spaniard in the squad for the Blues’ maiden season in the Indian Super League.

Head Coach Albert Roca welcomed his fellow countryman to the Blues’ fold and said, “Edu is an exciting young winger. His versatility down the flank will provide us with great options in terms of personnel as well as our game plan. He will be a great addition to our squad and fits in well with our philosophy.”

Twenty-seven-year-old Edu, who joins the Blues from Spanish side Real Zaragoza, shared his excitement ahead of his first overseas stint, “I'm very excited for joining the club. From the first time, I liked the idea of playing for Bengaluru's team in the Indian Super League. Football in India is growing a lot and it's an important challenge for me. I hope I can help the club to reach the objectives for the season. I can't wait to start!”

Born in Zaragoza, Edu joined his home side Real Zaragoza's youth setup in 2002, aged 12. He progressed through the ranks at the club before making his debut with the reserves during the 2009–10 campaign, in Tercera Division.

In 2012, Edu joined CD Ebro before moving to fellow league team SD Ejea the following season. In July 2014, he returned to Ebro and scored career-best 16 goals during his first season, helping his team gain promotion to Segunda Division B, before adding a further eight in his second season.

The winger then sealed a return to Real Zaragoza in at the start of the 2016-17 season and made 27 appearances for the Los Maños helping them finish 16th with 50 points in the Segunda Division.