Hyderabad FC sign Serbian centre-half Stefan Sapic

The Nizams have roped in another foreigner for the ongoing season.

Despite almost being ruled out of contention for the Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25, Hyderabad FC’s financial takeover by the B.C. Jindal group has given them a much-needed lifeline. After the acquisition of Allan Paulista, the side has now agreed on another deal with Serbian defender Stefan Sapic.

Hyderabad FC signed eight new Indian players who were all free agents. However, Hyderabad’s existing transfer bans from FIFA and AIFF meant the club were not allowed to sign any players under contracts. Notably, five of the eight players terminated their contracts with their existing clubs to join the upcoming project headed by manager Thangboi Singto.

Odisha FC’s former Japanese winger Cy Goddard was the first foreigner to be brought on board. The club didn’t pause there and went on to sign Brazilian striker Allan Paulista formally of Chinese League One side HLJ Ice City. Currently, the club are hard at work to register their third foreign recruit for the ISL 2024-25 season.

Khel Now can reveal that Hyderabad FC have agreed to Serbian centre-back Stefan Sapic on a multi-year deal and he has officially passed his medical and all other formalities to join his new team.

The 27-year-old has a brilliant pedigree, captaining FC Cuckariki’s U-19 side to the Serbian Youth League 2015-16 and helping them qualify for the UEFA Youth League 2016-17.

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

Although he made only four appearances in the tournament, Sapic has featured vastly for Cuckariki’s senior team across the Super Liga (Serbian top-tier football league), the Kup Srbije (Serbian Cup), UEFA Europa League Qualifiers 2019-20, and lately the UEFA Conference League’s qualifying stages in the 2021-22 season.

Stefan Sapic completed his medical and recently signed the necessary paperwork. Hyderabad FC is now working on processing his visa application so he can join the squad as soon as possible, which is already set to play in its second match of the ISL 2024-25.

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

The Nizams were not very active in the transfer market in July, as the club could not find new owners in time. They also withdrew from the 2024 Durand Cup as they were underequipped to assemble a viable squad. However, following their acquisition by the BC Jindal Group, the club was given a significant financial boost, allowing them to sign the necessary players.

On transfer deadline day, they secured the signatures of Sourav K, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Ayush Adhikari, Devendra Murgaonkar, Parag Shrivas, and Leander D’Cunha. They later went on to sign shot-stopper Arshdeep Singh from FC Goa and Indian international veteran Lenny Rodrigues. Cy Goddard became the club’s first foreign signing of the 2024-25 season, and shortly after, Allan Paulista was added to the list.

Hyderabad FC’s updated squad for ISL 2024-25:

Goalkeepers: Arshdeep Singh, Biaka, Aaryan Saroha

Defenders: Parag Shrivas, Leander D’Cunha, Mohammed Rafi, Manoj Mohammad, Vijay Marandi, Alex Saji, Soyal Joshy

Midfielders: Abhijith PA, Aron Vanlalrinchhana, Rashid M, Abdul Rabeeh, Lalchhanhima Sailo, Amon Lepcha, Ayush Adhikari, Lenny Rodrigues, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Sourav K

Forwards: Devendra Murgaonkar, Ramhlunchhunga, Aaren D’Silva, Joseph Sunny

Foreigners: Cy Goddard, Allan Paulista, Stefan Sapic

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