ISL 2024-25: All six foreigners of FC Goa

FC Goa roped in Mohun Bagan’s striker Armando Sadiku.

FC Goa were the finest side in the first half of ISL 2023-24 before the Indian premier football competition went for a month-long break for the coveted AFC Asian Cup & Kalinga Super Cup. The Gaurs stood undefeated in the league till they faced winners Mohun Bagan Super Giant on February 14.

The Manolo Marquez coached side displayed an impressive brand of football, finishing third in the table, with the second-best defensive stats. The likes of Noah Sadaoui, and Carlos Martinez were key to FC Goa’s brilliant season, which started great but lost momentum at the end.

This time, the club has made some great foreign signings to make their tally better, but in the process, they also had to let go of their best player from last time, Noah Sadaoui. Let’s have a look at all the foreign players in FC Goa’s current squad, who can dictate their fate in 2024-25:

Odei Onaindia

The 34-year-old Spaniard has been one of the best guards in FC Goa’s backline. He joined the Gaurs last season from Hyderabad FC, carrying his superb form for the Goan outfit too.

He was one of the key reasons for FC Goa being able to be the second best defensive unit in the league. This time too he will be looking to pair well with Sandesh Jhingan and Jay Gupta.

Carl McHugh

McHugh is one of the few foreigners with tons of experience in the ISL. He started his India journey with the now-dissolved ATK in 2019-20. He played for Mohun Bagan from 2020 before finally signing for FC Goa last season.

He has featured in 24 ISL games in 2023-24. He mainly operates as a defensive midfielder but can also cater to the defense when needed.

ALSO READ: ISL 2024-25: All six foreigners of Mumbai City FC

Borja Herrera

Another Spaniard in the squad, Borja Hererra, joined Manolo Marquez’s side from East Bengal FC after the first half of last season. Contributing as an attacking midfielder, he is good with his play-making attributes. He also hails vast experience on Indian soil, having previously played for Hyderabad FC and East Bengal.

Iker Guarrotxena

Another Spaniard in the list, the 31-year-old joined FC Goa from Mumbai City FC, but he has been a part of the club previously, in season 2022-23, where he scored 11 goals in 20 ISL games. Iker hails the ability to play both as a winger and a striker. His recent stint with Mumbai City displayed his continuity of good form.

Dejan Dražić

The Serbian 28-year-old will give tough competition to Iker Guarrotxena. He has both pace and dribbling skills. He might prove to be a perfect replacement for departing Noah Sadaoui. However, playing for the first time in India,  he might require some time to settle.

Armando Sadiku

The Mohun Bagan heartthrob has to be the biggest recruit by FC Goa this transfer window. The Albanian striker was in top form in last season’s ISL. He scored eight goals in the league and often became a saviour for the Mariners while pairing with Dimi Petratos. The Gaurs will expect him to repeat similar heroics this time. 

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