Mumbai City FC sign former FC Goa forward Iker Guarrotxena

Spanish Striker Joins ISL Side to Boost Attacking Options Ahead of the Season’s Resumption

Iker Guarrotxena, the Spanish attacking sensation, is back in the spotlight in India following the recent announcement of his mutual contract termination with Real Murcia. His stint at the Spanish club, after leaving FC Goa, saw him make 10 appearances in the Primera Federación, Spain’s third-tier football league, scoring a solitary goal.

Mumbai City FC, having released key attackers Nasser El Khayati and Greg Stewart, is actively seeking a foreign player with experience in Indian football. They aim to fill this gap under the guidance of their newly appointed coach Petr Kratky.

Coach Kratky has been commendably managing the team in the absence of key foreign players, utilizing young Indian talent during the Kalinga Super Cup. However, the Mumbai City management recognizes the need to provide the coach with additional attacking options.

According to sources close to Khel Now, “Mumbai City FC is in advanced talks with Iker Guarrotxena following his departure from Real Murcia. Initial terms have been agreed upon, and final paperwork is expected to be signed soon.”

“Mumbai City FC has successfully secured the services of former FC Goa forward Iker Guarrotxena. This high-profile signing, completed on deadline day, bolsters the team’s attacking lineup ahead of a crucial phase in the season,” a source confirmed later in the day.*

Iker Guarrotxena, a product of Athletic Bilbao’s youth academy, has a rich history in Spanish football, having played for clubs like CD Tenerife, CyD Leonessa, and CD Mirandes. Versatile in his play, he is primarily a left winger but is equally adept as a centre-forward and right winger. He has an impressive record of playing 127 matches in the second tier of Spanish football, along with six appearances in the prestigious Copa del Rey.

His football journey has also taken him to Greece, Poland, and Australia. In 2018, he transferred from CyD Leonessa to Polish team Pogon Szczecin, and later moved to Greek side Volos NPS. His stint in Australia was with Western United, before he returned to Spain to play for UD Logrones.

Iker Guarrotxena’s time at FC Goa was marked by success, where he netted 13 goals across 23 matches in the Indian Super League and the Super Cup. Now 31, his versatility enables him to play various attacking roles, including winger, centre-forward, second striker, and attacking midfielder.

His anticipated move to Mumbai City FC is being closely watched, as the team seeks to bolster its attacking capabilities with a player of Guarrotxena’s caliber and experience in Indian football.

*Story Updated: Latest Information as of 31st January 2024, 12:15 AM IST

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