FC Goa bolster midfield by signing Borja Herrera

FC Goa completed the signing of all six foreigners with Borja’s arrival.

FC Goa have announced that Borja Herrera, who initially joined the Club on a short-term loan deal in January this year, has now signed permanently for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The 31-year-old Spanish midfielder made a significant impact for the Gaurs since his arrival, notching two goals and three assists in 14 appearances in the second half of last season.

Born in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Herrera began his football journey at UD Las Palmas’ academy. He has since honed his talent at various clubs across Spain, Israel, and India, establishing himself as a versatile and dynamic presence in the midfield.

Herrera’s career includes notable stints with UD Las Palmas in LaLiga, Real Valladolid in the Segunda Division and Hyderabad FC in the ISL, where he played a key role in helping his team finish as runners-up in the race for the 2022-23 League Shield. He also represented East Bengal FC in Durand Cup 2023, the first half of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 season and in the Kalinga Super Cup 2024, where they emerged champions.

Since joining FC Goa on loan from the Red and Gold Brigade in the second half of last season, Herrera had a crucial role in the team securing a third-place finish in the ISL League Stage and advancing to the semi-finals of the ISL Cup playoffs. Overall, he has registered 63 appearances since arriving in India, with eight goals and 15 assists to his name.

Borja Herrera expressed his excitement about the permanent move, stating: “I am very happy to be able to extend my association with FC Goa. It was my only wish since the end of the previous season.

“From the first moment I arrived, everyone at the Club, the team and the fans incredibly treated me. I have a thorn from last season’s ISL Cup playoff semi-finals that I have to get rid of.

“I’m sure it will be a great year, and we’ll work hard to make everyone proud and happy,” he added.

Manolo Marquez, Head Coach of FC Goa, added: “Borja’s return is by choice of the Club, as much as it is of the player himself. He is an experienced player who knows the ISL perfectly. He can play in different positions and his numbers in terms of statistics are always good. He is a specialist in set pieces.

“To add to all of this, he is a very positive person who has a positive effect on the group in terms of mentality as well. Overall, he is one of the most complete players in the league.”

With Borja Herrera’s signing, it can also be noted that the Men in Orange have completed their foreign contingent for the season. The Spaniard will link up with Odei Onaindia, Carl McHugh and new arrivals Iker Guarrotxena, Dejan Dražić and Armando Sadiku at the Club.

Return of the Gaur! ↩️🦬Welcome back Borja 🧡#Borja2025 pic.twitter.com/eugGUZo8lS

— FC Goa (@FCGoaOfficial) July 26, 2024

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.