FC Goa sign in-demand Spanish winger Jorge Ortiz Mendoza

The Atletico Madrid B attacker was previously in talks with two other clubs ahead of the new ISL season.

FC Goa have completed the signing of Spanish winger Jorge Ortiz Mendoza from Atletico Baleares, Khel Now understands. The 28-year-old represented Atletico Madrid "B" in the 2017-18 season. He had scored three goals in 19 appearances for the reserve team of Los Rojiblancos. Mendoza was particularly instrumental in the 2019-20 Segunda B campaign for Baleares. He turned up in 27 league matches for the team and scored eight goals.

“I’m really happy and eager to start and to meet my new teammates,” Ortiz told fcgoa.in. “The league is very competitive and this is a brilliant club. I have seen games of FC Goa play and found them to be playing at a very high level. I spoke to the coach, and other officials and I had no doubt that this was the place I would like to commit my future to.”

Khel Now have learnt that he had discussions with two other ISL clubs. However, it was FC Goa's overall project that interested the player and convinced him to join the Gaurs.

The former Cultural Leonesa player has turned up for clubs like Real Oviedo, CF Fuenlabrada, AD Alcorcón among others in the lower divisions of Spanish football. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza seems to be a winger who will induce creative impetus in Goa's forward line. He shoots firmly and has an eye for goal, as is visible from his performances for Atletico Baleares in the previous campaign.

The move comes a few days after it became certain that Hugo Boumous will be leaving FC Goa to join Mumbai City FC in the 2020-21 season of the ISL. Ever since the Islanders acquired Sergio Lobera, they have roped in some significant players from the Gaurs. The likes of Ahmed Jahouh, Mandar Rao Dessai and Mourtada Fall are all set to represent the metropolis club.

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Boumous’ departure has created a vacuum in FC Goa’s forward line and the club will have to consciously bring in players who can attempt to replicate the impact that the French-Moroccan had on the team in the last few seasons. They have already announced the arrival of striker Igor Angulo from Polish club Górnik Zabrze. Jorge Ortiz Mendoza’s induction into the team also promises to considerably strengthen their ranks ahead of their debut in the AFC Champions League.

**This article was updated after FC Goa officially announced the signing of the player.