SC East Bengal brought their fifth foreigner on board as young Dutch defensive midfielder Darren Sidoel signed a one-year deal with the club on Friday.

Slovenian midfielder Amir Dervisevic, Australian defender Tomislav Mrcela, Croatian centre-back Franjo Prce and Nigerian striker Daniel Chima Chukwu are the other four overseas recruits of the Indian Super League side.

The 23-year old Sidoel has already played under coach Manuel ‘Manolo’ Diaz at Spanish side Hercules CF. He joins East Bengal from Spanish second division club Cordoba CF, having spent last season on loan at Hercules under the coaching of Diaz. He can also play at centre-back and central midfield positions.

“SC East Bengal presents a new opportunity for me. I have played in a few European countries and picked up quite a lot. I am eager to learn and I believe I can develop playing in the Indian Super League,” Sidoel said.

“I have played under the coach (Manolo) before in Spain and that helps. We have a good understanding and I am looking forward to reunite with him again.”

Sidoel made his debut in the second division of the Dutch league (Eerste Divisie) for Jong Ajax (reserve team of Ajax) in the 2017-18 season, helping them win the title.