ISL side FC Goa complete signing of former FC Barcelona Atlètic defender Álex Zalaya
Spainish defender joins the Gaurs on a one-year deal
With the summer transfer window heating up, Khel Now understands that FC Goa have formally completed the signing of 28-year-old Spanish defender Álex Zalaya ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Zalaya joins the Gaurs until the end of the 2026-27 season on a one-year deal after spending a major chunk of his career in Spain, featuring for multiple key clubs. Known for his confidence on the ball and defensive stability, the addition of Zalaya is expected to add experience and depth to FC Goa’s squad ahead of the upcoming season.
A career built across Spanish football ecosystem
The 28-year-old centre back, Álex Zalaya, started his footballing career at the youth setup of Real Zaragoza, moving through the club’s academy to represent them at the U-19 level. His performance at the youth level of Real Zaragoza earned him a move to RZ Deportivo Aragon, where he made 24 appearances for them and continued his development in Spanish football.
Álex Zalaya later went on to join Sporting Atletico, before taking a significant step in his career by signing for UE Cornella, making 36 appearances for the club. UE Cornella, which is now owned by Argentine star Lionel Messi, provided Zalaya with another platform to showcase his abilities and continue his growth in Spanish football.
The Spaniard made another major leap when he signed for the Catalan club, FC Barcelona Atlètic, in 2022-23. His stint with Barcelona exposed him to one of the world’s most renowned footballing ecosystems, where he went on to play 22 games and enhanced his reputation as a defender.
The Spaniard brings huge experience across multiple levels in Spanish football, having played in the Copa Del Rey and the Spanish third tier as well. Zalaya has also represented Spain U-19 and U-17 teams with 5 and 2 caps respectively to his name.
He is a versatile player who naturally plays as a centre back but can also feature as a left back, right back and left midfielder if the situation demands. He has recently represented Primera Federacion- Grupo 1 club Racing Ferrol before making his move to FC Goa.
FC Goa’s transfer activity in the summer transfer window so far
FC Goa have done some major activities in the summer transfer window so far ahead of the 2026-27 season, as they build a competitive squad for both ISL 2026-27 and ACL Two Preliminary stage.
The Guars have let go of multiple key players from the previous campaign after the departure of head coach Manolo Marquez. The departures include Dejan Drazic, Brison Fernandes, Boris Singh, Abdul Rabeeh, Pol Moreno, Ayush Chhetri and Sahil Tavora. However, this is an indication that the club is heading into a new and fresh direction under Gouramangi Singh.
Apart from the departures, the Gaurs have seen some major arrivals as well, including both an Indian and a foreign contingent. FC Goa have already acquired the services of Rudra Ved Moola, Alex Vallejo, Francisco Feuillassier, Tomba Singh and Isak Ralte.
The 28-year-old centre back, Álex Zalaya, becomes the latest recruit for the Gaurs as they sign him ahead of the 2026-27 season. FC Goa are expected to make more moves as the summer transfer window progresses to strengthen their overall squad quality.
What is the duration of Álex Zalaya’s contract at FC Goa?
Álex Zalaya joins FC Goa on a one-year deal.
Which clubs have Álex Zalaya played for?
Álex Zalaya have represented multiple Spanish clubs like UE Cornella, FC Barcelona Atlètic, Real Zaragoza, Racing Ferrol, etc.
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Ayushman Sharma is a sports enthusiast with a deep love for football, following the game closely since 2018. A hardcore supporter of NorthEast United FC and FC Barcelona, he has also gained valuable on-ground experience by volunteering during FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati.