East Bengal FC have officially confirmed that they have mutually parted ways with Japanese striker Hiroshi Ibusuki ahead of the 2025-26 Indian Super League season. The club made the announcement on Thursday, bringing an end to the 34-year-old forward’s short stint with the Red and Gold Brigade.
Ibusuki joined East Bengal last September on a free transfer and was brought in to lead the attack as a traditional No. 9. During his time at the club, he featured prominently in the Super Cup, where East Bengal reached the final. The Japanese striker played five matches in the tournament and scored one goal, contributing to the team’s run to the summit clash.
Despite their efforts, East Bengal fell short in the Super Cup final, losing to FC Goa. That defeat ultimately marked Ibusuki’s final appearance for the club, as both parties have now decided to move on before the upcoming ISL campaign.
Confirming the development, East Bengal released an official statement acknowledging the striker’s contribution and professionalism during his stay. “East Bengal FC and Hiroshi Ibusuki have mutually agreed to part ways. We thank him for his professionalism and contribution during his time with us. We wish him the best in his future endeavours,” the statement said.
Ibusuki’s departure comes amid a broader trend in Indian football, with several foreign players leaving ISL clubs during the winter transfer window. The exits follow a prolonged lull in India’s top-flight football calendar, as the league remained inactive for several months before plans for a shortened 2025-26 season were confirmed.
The upcoming ISL season is set to begin on February 14, with a truncated schedule announced by league authorities. The uncertainty surrounding the calendar and the reduced length of the season have reportedly influenced squad planning across clubs, prompting both teams and overseas players to reassess their immediate futures.
For East Bengal, the mutual separation allows the club to reorganise their attacking options ahead of the new campaign. For Ibusuki, it marks the end of a brief chapter in Indian football as he looks ahead to the next step in his career, following a limited but notable contribution in domestic cup competition.
