FC Goa set to sign Iranian defender Hadi Mohammadi

The 29-year-old centre-back will be a welcome addition to the Gaurs' depleted backline.

A source close to the developments has informed Khel Now that FC Goa are set to sign Iranian defender Hadi Mohammadi on a one-year deal with an option to extend by a further year.

"Mohammadi was previously in talks with a couple of other clubs from the Indian Super League. However, in the end has has opted for 2019-20 league leaders," the source stated.

29-year old Hadi Mohammadi has had a prolonged career in the Persian Gulf Pro League and had a three-year stint at Damash Gilan. When the outfit were relegated in 2014, the player moved to Zob Ahan and has been with them ever since, making more than 72 appearances overall. Moreover, Mohammadi has also been capped for the Iran U-22 national team between 2011 and 2014.

With the ISL making it mandatory to sign one Asian player, the centre-back comes in as a reasonable option for the Gaurs. That said, FC Goa will also feature in the AFC Champions League next year and the signing of the defender is preparation for the same considering he has already featured in the elite competition before.

Meanwhile, Goa have already made a few foreign signings -- Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, Igor Angulo and Ivan Gonzalez. This was in the aftermath of several other foreigners departing the club, including the likes of Ferran Corominas, Ahmed Jahouh, Mourtada Fall, along with the imminent exit of Hugo Boumous.

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In addition to that, former captain Mandar Rao Dessai, Jackichand Singh and Manvir Singh too have officially left the club. Yet, the Gaurs have brought in Redeem Tlang and Makan Winkle Chothe as part of their domestic recruitment and it would be interesting to see how the squad shapes up at the end of the transfer window.