Mumbai City to pay record Rs 1.6cr for FC Goa's Hugo Boumous

Should the deal go ahead, the transfer will see the highest-ever transfer fee paid for a player in Indian Football.

A few hours ago Indian Super League (ISL) outfit FC Goa made it clear that Hugo Boumous will remain with them until they reach an agreement with another club. Now, it has emerged that Mumbai City FC are set to sign him after agreeing to pay his buyout clause.

In case you missed it, the 25-year-old announced his departure from the Gaurs on his Instagram, but the club responded an hour later by denying his claims. “Dear Goa, I would like to announce that my journey with FC Goa is over. It has been a hard decision to make. I’m grateful to have represented the colours and the state of Goa across the Indian Super League. Thanks for all the love I received from the fans during the two years spent with you," he wrote.

Meanwhile, FC Goa's official statement read: “The club would like to state that Hugo Boumous continues to remain a contracted with FC Goa. There is no agreement that has been reached with any other club on the same." Clearly the attacking midfielder's announcement did not sit well with the club - however, he may not remain an FC Goa player for much longer, as Mumbai City FC have made an offer to buy out his contract that was originally supposed to end in 2022.

Mumbai City FC have informed FC Goa through an e-mail that they are willing to sign Hugo Boumous. As his current contract expires in another two years, the club will meet his buyout clause of ₹1.6 crore upfront. When the deal goes through, it will be the highest-ever transfer fee paid for a player in the history of Indian football. The move is imminent with the player already having agreed personal terms with the Islanders.

ALSO READ: Hugo Boumous complicates move away from FC Goa

Hugo Boumous was the backbone of FC Goa’s brilliant attacking display in the 2019-20 season, scoring 11 goals and managing 10 assists in 15 matches. He also won the ISL Player of the Season award for his extraordinary work, through which he inspired the Gaurs to finish the league phase in first position, making them the first Indian side to qualify directly for the AFC Champions League.

It will be another blow to Goa, with other prominent foreigners like Ahmed Jahouh and Mourtada Fall are also set to leave the club. Meanwhile, defender Carlo Pena has announced his retirement. Moreover, long-serving FC Goa ace Mandar Rao Dessai is also set to join his former boss Sergio Lobera at Mumbai City ahead of the 2020-21 season.

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