Cy Goddard becomes the first foreigner to sign for Hyderabad FC for ISL 2024-25

The club is also working to sign more foreign players in the upcoming days.

ISL 2021-22 champions Hyderabad FC have begun finalizing their foreign players for the upcoming 2024-25 season. A few days ago, Khel Now reported that Hyderabad FC had finalized terms with six Indian players, mostly free agents or those who became free agents on transfer deadline day.

Khel Now can reveal that Japanese winger Cy Goddard has completed all the formalities and signed a contract with Hyderabad FC. The club is now working to finalize his visa and bring him to Hyderabad to prepare for the season.

“Head coach Thangboi Singto highly rates Cy Goddard, and the new management ensured they signed Goddard quickly, as there were other clubs in talks with the winger,” said a source tracking the transfer.

The 23-year-old midfielder is a product of the Tottenham Hotspur academy. He joined Spurs as a 9-year-old and remained with the club until 2018. Goddard made 16 appearances for them in the Premier League 2 during the 2016-17 season.

Also Read: Hyderabad FC sign six Indian players to rejuvenate squad for ISL 2024-25

In 2018, Goddard joined Benevento Calcio on a three-year deal, making his senior debut against Spezia. In 2020, he moved to ISL side Mumbai City FC on a year-long loan for the 2020-21 season, where he played a role in helping MCFC win the league and championship double. Goddard made nineteen appearances for the Islanders.

Following his stint in India, Goddard moved to the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League, signing a two-year deal starting from the 2021-22 season. He debuted for the Mariners in their opening game against the Newcastle Jets, scoring the second goal in a 2-1 victory. In 2022, Goddard joined USL Championship side Detroit City.

Goddard returned to Indian football by signing for Odisha FC before the 2023-24 season started. He made 26 appearances for Odisha, including eight in the AFC Cup.

Born to an English father and raised in London, Goddard has represented Japan at various youth levels.

Hyderabad FC’s preparations for the ISL 2024-25 season

The Nizams haven’t been very active in the transfer market ahead of the upcoming season. They withdrew from the 2024 Durand Cup due to their inability to assemble a proper squad. However, with the new ownership under the BC Jindal Group, the club has started signing players for the new season. On transfer deadline day, they secured the signatures of Sourav K, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Ayush Adhikari, Devendra Murgaonkar, Parag Shrivas, and Leander D’Cunha. The club is actively working on finalizing more deals as we speak.

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