East Bengal FC’s 2024-25 season ended badly. They lost 2-0 to Kerala Blasters FC and were knocked out of the 2025 Kalinga Super Cup. In the Indian Super League (ISL), they finished only ninth, making it a very disappointing season for the fans and the club.
Now, East Bengal FC is expected to make a lot of changes to their team before the new season. Many foreign players might leave, including Cleiton Silva (who already left), and others like Hijazi Maher and Hector Yuste could also be on their way out.
One foreign player still under contract for next season is Spanish midfielder Saul Crespo. However, the club has a big decision to make — should they keep him for another year or bring in a new midfielder? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of keeping Saul Crespo for the 2025-26 season.
Pros:
1. Experienced Player
Saul Crespo is one of the most experienced players in the East Bengal FC squad. He has played 44 matches for East Bengal and had over 50 matches in Spain’s LaLiga 2 before coming to India. His experience in midfield is very valuable, and it could be difficult for East Bengal to find someone else with similar qualities.
He also knows the ISL very well now and can adapt to different midfield roles — whether it’s defensive, box-to-box, or attacking. Under a better coach and system, he might perform even better next season.
2. Energetic and Hardworking
Crespo is known for his hard work on the pitch. He covers a lot of ground, wins important challenges, and helps in both attack and defense. Even though he played only 13 games this season, he won 70 duels and made 53 possession recoveries.
His energy and fighting spirit can help East Bengal FC win midfield battles and launch quick counter-attacks — something the team really needs.
3. Goal-Scoring Midfielder
Finding midfielders who can score goals is not easy in Indian football. Crespo has shown he can score. In 48 appearances for East Bengal, he has scored 11 goals and made 4 assists.
He scored four goals this season, including an important goal against Mohammedan SC. He also takes penalties well and has a powerful shot from long range. With more freedom next season, he might score even more goals.
Cons:
1. Injury Problems
One big problem with Crespo is his injury record. He missed nine ISL games this season and six games last season due to injuries. His style of play — running a lot and tackling hard — may be the reason.
East Bengal FC may want a more reliable midfielder who can stay fit and play the whole season without missing important matches.
2. Lack of Creativity
East Bengal FC struggled to create enough chances in the 2024-25 season. Crespo, while good at winning the ball, was not very creative. In 13 ISL matches, he created only 15 chances and made two assists.
He was not able to replace injured playmaker Madih Talal and couldn’t provide the creativity East Bengal needed. The club might want a midfielder who can make better passes and help the team attack more sharply.
3. Not a Strong Leader
Crespo wore the captain’s armband many times this season but could not inspire the team to do better. Even though he is experienced, he isn’t very vocal or motivating on the field.
East Bengal suffered many disappointing defeats, and Crespo couldn’t lift the team’s spirits. The club might need a stronger leader who can push the players to fight harder and perform better next season.
Conclusion
East Bengal FC has a big decision to make. Saul Crespo offers experience, energy, and some goal-scoring ability. But his injury problems, lack of creativity, and leadership issues are big concerns.
Will East Bengal trust him for one more season, or will they look for a fresh midfielder to lead their comeback? Only time will tell.