Exclusive: FC Goa's Mourtada Fall set for a move to Mumbai City FC

The Senegalese defender shall be the third FC Goa player to join the Islanders if the move goes through.

Mourtada Fall is the latest FC Goa player set to follow the footsteps of his former head coach Sergio Lobera to Mumbai City FC, Khel Now understands.

The Gaurs were awaiting the Senegalese defender's decision on extending his stay at the club, however as things stand, he might be on his way out. If the move goes through, Mourtada Fall shall become the third FC Goa player to join the Islanders. Previously, Khel Now had revealed that Gaurs' captain Mandar Rao Dessai and midfield sensation Ahmed Jahouh are set to join the City Football Group-owned franchise.

Mourtada Fall has been a crucial first team player for the Gaurs since the past two seasons. The 32-year-old, with his no-nonsense defending, has been the key man in FC Goa's robust defence. In his 40 appearances for the side, the 6 feet 2 inches tall defender has recorded a massive 385 clearances, 111 tackles and 47 blocks.

Moreover, he has also been on the score-sheet nine times while assisting three goals. Not only that but Fall's passing too has been immaculate. Having performed 1837 passes in 40 games, he has maintained a superb 88.35% accuracy.

Thus, his absence would come rather as a shock for the club's faithful as he is a fan favourite at the Fatorda Stadium. Moreover, with Carlos Peña also announcing retirement, the departure of Mourtada Fall would leave a major gap in the FC Goa defence. On the other hand, his addition along with Mandar Rao Dessai would only make Mumbai City FC's defence from robust to impenetrable. Certainly, a move to excite all the Islanders' fans.

Meanwhile, FC Goa who recently announced the appointment of new head coach Juan Ferrando are looking ahead to playing in the AFC Champions League. It would be interesting to know how they prepare to go head-to-head against Asia's finest teams.