FC Goa set to sign Spanish defender Ivan Garrido Gonzalez

The 30-year-old centre-back previously plied his trade for Cultural Leonesa in Spain.

Days after announcing their new winger Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, FC Goa are now all set to sign Spanish centre-back Ivan Garrido Gonzalez on a two-year deal, a source close to the developments has told Khel Now.

"The player has been in discussion with FC Goa and will sign for the next two years. He is excited with the opportunity to play in the AFC Champions League for it will be a new and interesting experience," a source close to the developments told Khel Now.

Mourtada Fall is set to join Mumbai City FC next season and with Carlos Pena retiring, FC Goa will have to bolster the defence for the upcoming season. The 30-year-old Spaniard started his career at Real Madrid's youth setup and gradually learned the ropes in the Spanish capital. He has also plied his trade for RC Deportivo "B" and UB Conquense in the Spanish lower divisions. From Conquense, he joined Cultural Leonesa for the first time in 2014 and in less than one year, he moved to Racing Ferrol. However, Ivan Gonzalez came back to Leonesa and stayed for longer with the club.

The central defender was at the club for the last four seasons, featuring in 167 games. He was the mainstay of Leonesa's backline over these years and was crucial in the club's promotion to the second tier of Spanish football. Thus, Ferrando feels that bringing in someone of Gonzalez's experience will help strengthen the Gaurs' backline for the upcoming season, especially when they play in the AFC Champions League.

He will join forces with his former teammate Jorge Ortiz Mendoza, who was also a former Leonesa player. The duo has played together in Spain and are all set to re-unite in the Indian Super League.

The Madrid-based centre-back is good with the ball at his feet and can build from the back with ease. He can even play as a right-back if the need arises. His daunting physicality also makes him an aerial threat from set-pieces.

If the move goes as planned, Ivan Gonzalez will become the third foreign signing for FC Goa in this transfer window, following striker Igor Angulo and winger Jorge Ortiz Mendoza.