Sahil Tavora rejoins FC Goa on 2024 summer transfer deadline day

Sahil is the 9th summer signing for the Gaurs.

29-year-old defensive midfielder Sahil Tavora, rejoins FC Goa ahead of the upcoming Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 season, seven years after his breakthrough season with the club. The move sees Tavora reuniting with his former boss Manolo Marquez, with whom he won the ISL title at Hyderabad FC in the 2021-22 season.

Sahil Tavora's homecoming transfer move to FC Goa is completed on transfer deadline day. The former Hyderabad FC midfielder has reunited with Manolo Márquez after signing with Goa as a free agent. #ISL #IndianFootball @KhelNow

— Ashish Negi (@7negiashish) August 31, 2024

Khel Now can confirm that Tavora has signed a multi-year deal with FC Goa on 2024 transfer deadline day. A source close to the developments shared, “Sahil has agreed to a multi-year deal with his local club FC Goa on the transfer deadline day to reunite with Manolo Marquez as a free agent.”

This move comes after Tavora’s contract with Hyderabad FC was terminated due to nonpayment of dues, which was confirmed by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) Player Status Committee, granting him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to join any club of his choice.

Tavora had been with Hyderabad FC since 2019, where he had one of the clutch moments in the history of the league by equalizing in the final minutes of the ISL final in 2021-22 season to force the game into the penalties. The Nizams eventually won the final on penalties where Tavora turned out to be a hero.  However, during the second half of the last season, he was loaned out to Punjab FC. 

Despite interest from multiple ISL clubs, including Punjab FC, FC Goa successfully secured Tavora’s signature, bringing him back to the club where he first made a name for himself.

Speaking on his return, Sahil Tavora expressed his excitement, saying, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be back at FC Goa after eight years. It truly feels like a homecoming, and I can’t wait to give my all in training and matches to help the Club achieve its goals. My focus, as always, will be on taking things step-by-step.

“The team had an impressive run last season, finishing third in the ISL League stage and reaching the semi-finals of both the Durand Cup and the ISL Cup playoffs. This year, I hope we can push even further and come back after a successful campaign,” he added.

Head coach Manolo Marquez, who has been a significant factor in Tavora’s decision to return, shared his thoughts on the signing.

“Sahil is an exceptionally intelligent player, with a great tactical understanding of the game. His positioning on the field is always spot-on, providing numerous solutions for his teammates. He’s mentally strong, consistently positive, and brings a winning attitude to the squad. His addition is a tremendous boost for us, and I’m confident he will make a significant impact this season,” the Spaniard explained.

How are FC Goa shaping up before the ISL season?

FC Goa are currently playing in Bhausaheb Bandodkar trophy, an invitational pre-season tournament in a bid to challenge for the laurels of the upcoming season. Sahil will be the 9th acquisition for the club and second homecoming after Laxmikant Kattimani who also joined the club from Hyderabad FC.

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