How FC Goa should approach the ISL summer transfer window

FC Goa will play the ACL Two Preliminary stage match on 12th August

With the future of the 2025-26 ISL season finally sorted, at least for the next four years, there is a sense of normalcy returning to Indian football and its clubs. While some teams are making the most of the transfer market by aggressively pursuing the best available players, the majority remain cautious with their spending, determined not to overpay and inflate the salary cap.

Nevertheless, one positive takeaway is that the transfer market is witnessing far more activity than it did last season.

FC Goa head into the upcoming season in a difficult position. The club’s CEO has openly stated on multiple occasions that they do not intend to overpay for players. At the same time, the Gaurs will represent India in Asia, with a place in either the AFC Champions League Two or the AFC Challenge League depending on their performance in the qualifiers.

As a result, FC Goa must ensure they have a squad capable of competing in Asia. The AFC Challenge League is a competition where Indian clubs have a genuine opportunity to challenge for the latter stages if they build the right team.

With no AFC competition spot expected to be awarded through the Super Cup/Federation Cup from next season onwards, FC Goa also need to assemble a strong squad for the ISL if they hope to qualify for Asian competitions for a third consecutive season.

In this article we take a look at how FC Goa should approach the summer transfer window.

How did FC Goa fare in the 2025-26 season?

FC Goa were one of the few ISL clubs whose season began as usual, with a qualifier for the AFC Champions League Two. They successfully came through the qualifier to represent India in the 2025-26 ACL-2. Although their performances showed promise in patches, they ultimately finished the campaign without a point.

They then turned their attention to the Super Cup, where they successfully defended their title by winning the competition for the second consecutive year, securing place in AFC competitions yet again.

However, following their Super Cup triumph, FC Goa entered the 2025-26 ISL season with just two foreign players after the rest departed due to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the league.

Despite the obvious limitations, the Gaurs produced an impressive league campaign, finishing just six points behind the table toppers and remaining in the title race until Matchweek 10.

Overall, Manolo Marquez and everyone associated with the club can be proud of the way the players performed under extremely challenging circumstances, with uncertainty surrounding the league throughout the season.

What has changed since last season?

A lot has changed at FC Goa over the last 45 to 60 days since the conclusion of the 2025-26 ISL season.

The biggest change has come on the touchline, with Spanish tactician Manolo Marquez leaving the club after three seasons. He departs after establishing the Gaurs as consistent title contenders, winning back-to-back Super Cups and guiding the club to back-to-back qualifications for AFC competitions.

Gouramangi Singh is reportedly set to take charge after serving as an assistant coach for the last four seasons. He is expected to be joined by former Hyderabad FC head coach Shameel Chembakath as his assistant, while reserves goalkeeper Sugitesh Mandrekar is also set to earn a promotion to the first-team setup.

There has also been significant movement in the squad. Dejan Drazic has officially left the club to join Mohun Bagan SG, while Ayush Chhetri and Brison Fernandes have completed a move to Chennaiyin FC. Pol Moreno bids goodbye to the club, while Boris Singh has reportedly agreed to join East Bengal FC.

Hrithik Tiwari is yet to sign a contract extension and has been linked with a move to Mohun Bagan. Players like Sandesh Jhingan are also yet to put pen to paper on new deals. Abdul Rabeeh is set to join NorthEast United FC, while Sahil Tavora has both been linked with East Bengal, much like almost every midfielder in the league this transfer window.

Also Read: How Punjab FC should approach the ISL summer transfer window

What profile of players should FC Goa target?

FC Goa remain one of the few ISL clubs with a clearly defined footballing philosophy, regardless of who is in charge. The club has consistently preferred a possession-based style of play and has generally appointed coaches and signed players who fit that philosophy.

Before looking at potential signings, however, their priority should be securing the futures of their key players on long-term contracts to avoid losing them for free. Retaining the experienced core of the dressing room is crucial, especially for a side set to be led by an Indian head coach.

As for recruitment, while FC Goa will naturally continue to target technically gifted players who are comfortable in possession, their biggest priority should be signing players capable of creating and scoring goals in the final third.

Their defense was their biggest strength last season, while the midfield performed consistently. In attack, Dejan Drazic carried much of the creative and goalscoring burden, although Nemil also made valuable contributions.

It is important that Gouramangi Singh is given the opportunity to bring in Indian attackers who can beat defenders, play direct, and, most importantly, consistently find the back of the net.

At present, none of the attacking players in the squad have shown that level of consistency. In short, FC Goa needs a clinical striker and wingers who can provide goals and become the team’s X-factor.

In midfield, the club needs a player in the mold of Jahouh, Edu Bedia or Borja Herrera, someone capable of providing defensive stability while also contributing in the final third and posing a threat from set-pieces. Historically, FC Goa have struggled whenever they have lacked this type of midfielder in their squad.

Which positions should FC Goa strengthen?

Where do FC Goa need reinforcements? Quite a few, in fact, far more than they have needed in previous seasons.

The goalkeeping department could require strengthening if Hrithik Tiwari leaves the club. At right-back, FC Goa must sign at least two players, with Boris Singh having departed, Seriton no longer part of the squad, and Udanta Singh not being a natural right-back.

The club also appears to have prepared for the worst-case possibility of Sandesh Jhingan’s departure, having reportedly completed the signing of Rudra Ved Moola from Shillong Lajong FC.

They have also managed to acquire the services of Spaniard Alex Vallejo and Argentine Francisco Feuillassier

The midfield is another area that requires a major overhaul. With Sahil Tavora reportedly linked with a move away and Harsh Patre still struggling to adapt, Raynier Fernandes remains the only experienced midfield options. Mohammad Yasir and Nemil can operate in attacking midfield roles, given both of them stay injury-free throughout the campaign.

In attack, FC Goa needs to look beyond Udanta Singh, who is no longer the player he was a few years ago. The departures of Brison Fernandes and Abdul Rabeeh have further weakened the wide areas, leaving the squad short of options on the wings.

The club should also look beyond the likes of Daniel and Ishan Pandita and bring in an Indian striker who is in form and capable of making an impact when called upon.

As they begin revamping their foreign contingent, Franchu is the club’s first foreign signing of the window who could replace the creativity and flair of Dejan Drazic.

They howeverneed a tall and commanding center-back to fill the void left by Pol Moreno. In addition, FC Goa still requires a proper number nine, something they have arguably lacked since the days of Igor Angulo and Coro. Finally, they must identify a replacement for Borja Herrera, a player who was central to much of the club’s success during his time in Goa.

Realistic transfer targets (Opinion)

Amey Ranawade (Kerala Blasters FC)

One potential option at right-back could be the return of former FC Goa defender Amey Ranawade. Although he remains under a long-term contract with Kerala Blasters FC, the club could consider offloading him as part of their reported cost-cutting measures, especially given that he is among the higher-paid players in the squad.

FC Goa could look to capitalize on that opportunity. Amey spent last season on loan at Mohun Bagan and has proven himself to be a reliable full-back at both ends of the pitch. He is defensively disciplined, offers plenty going forward with his overlapping runs, and is comfortable in possession, qualities that suit FC Goa’s playing style.

Jiteshwor Singh (Chennaiyin FC)

There have been few more unlucky players in the ISL over the past few seasons than Jiteshwor Singh. After impressing in his debut season with Chennaiyin FC, he found himself on the bench the following campaign after initially refusing to sign a contract extension.

Even after eventually renewing his deal, opportunities remained limited under both Owen Coyle and Clifford Miranda.

A tenacious midfielder, Jiteshwor excels at winning the ball back through timely tackles and interceptions. He is an excellent ball carrier who can drive the team forward while also possessing the ability to drop deep and dictate the tempo of the game. He could prove to be an excellent partner for Ayush Chhetri and remind everyone why he was once regarded as one of India’s brightest young midfielders.

Thoi Singh (Free Agent)

One attacking option worth considering is Thoi Singh, who became available after NorthEast United parted ways with him following the expiry of his contract at the end of the 2025-26 season.

Once regarded as one of the country’s brightest young talents during his time at Bengaluru FC, Thoi moved to the Highlanders but was unable to establish himself.

He is a versatile winger capable of playing across the frontline. Blessed with electric pace and decent dribbling ability, Thoi can take on defenders and create problems in one-on-one situations. He also has a good instinct for making runs into central areas and getting into goalscoring positions, making him a potentially valuable addition for the Gaurs.

David Lalhlansanga (East Bengal FC)

FC Goa feels like the ideal club for David Lalhlansanga to revive his career after a frustrating spell at East Bengal FC. Despite scoring couple of goals and enjoying an impressive debut ISL season, David was reduced to the role of third-choice striker and managed just 240 minutes of league football throughout the campaign.

A move to the Gaurs could provide him with the consistent game time needed to rediscover his best form and remind everyone why he was considered one of the league’s most promising strikers just a few years ago.

David is known for his clinical finishing and intelligent movement inside the penalty area, allowing him to consistently find space ahead of opposition defenders.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.